Bleading Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

Plant Description

Bleeding Heart Vine is a tropical, evergreen twining climber known for its striking red flowers. The plant has glossy, deep green leaves and a vining habit that makes it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, and containers.

Native Range

Originally from West Africa, this plant thrives in warm, humid climates.

USDA Grow Zone

 Zones 9 - 11: Perennial in frost-free areas.

Can be grown in cooler zones as a container plant, overwintered indoors.

Size (Height & Width)

Height: 6 a 15 feet (depending on support and pruning).

Width: 3 - 6 feet.

Uses

Trellises, fences, and pergolas -  its climbing nature makes it a beautiful vertical accent.

Hanging baskets and containers - great for patios and balconies.

Hummingbird and butterfly gardens - attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.

Houseplant - can be grown indoors in bright light.

Planting

Sunlight: Prefers partial sun to bright indirect light. Tolerates full sun if kept well-watered but performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Soil: Needs well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite works well.

Spacing: Plant at least 3 - 6 feet apart for good air circulation.

Watering & Humidity

Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, keeping it evenly moist but not soggy.

Prefers high humidity, so misting or planting near other tropical plants helps.

Fertilization

Feed every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus (e.g., 10-30-10) for better blooms.

Reduce feeding in late fall and winter.

 

Support & Pruning

Provide a trellis, arbor, or fence for support, as it climbs by twining.

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage fresh growth. Light trimming after flowering helps maintain form.

Cold Protection

Semi-evergreen may lose leaves in winter, especially during cold snaps.

If frost is expected, mulch around the base and cover with frost cloth.

If damaged by cold, cut back dead growth in spring; it will often regrow from the base.

Pests & Problems

Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, especially in dry conditions. Treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.