Bleeding Heart Vine

Bleeding Heart Vine is also commonly known as Glory Bower, Bleeding Glory Bower, Tropical Bleeding Heart, Bag Flower and Glory Tree. The scientific name is Clerodendrum thomsoniae.

This plant is a member of the Verbena Family (Verbenaceae). It is native to West Africa and is a tropical flower opposite to the other Bleeding Heart Plants: the Dicentra species and the Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart Flower.

This evergreen shrub twines around holdfasts (thigmotropism), like all other vine plants. The stunning flowers are red and white and resemble somewhat a bleeding heart. And the plant produces masses of these flowers! Do not forget to prune the plant regularly after flowering. Also, thin out the stems when they get too thick.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae grows originally in the tropics, thus it is a real sun-lover. It presents its glossy, dark green leaves readily to all the sunshine it can get. Yet, it also accepts locations with part-shade. It prefers a well-drained soil (but avoid standing water); draught is harmful to the plant.

It can be grown out side in warm regions (USA: Zone 10 is best). It also makes an excellent indoor plant! It is a very prolific bloomer and blooms for a long time at any time of the year.

Where can you get these plants? Bleeding Heart Vines are sold in Nurseries. You can also purchase life plants online. Yet, if you know someone who has this plant, maybe a family member or a friend, you can ask for a cutting. These vines grow very well from cuttings.
Put the cutting in water (not to cold, try room temperature). The plants usually root within 14 days. You can then plant them in your garden (in pots, hanging baskets, containers or just anywhere you like it and where it is sunny) or keep it indoor (try hanging baskets inside – you will be happy with the result!).

Fertilize the plants regularly (about once or twice a month) with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Enjoy your plant!

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