Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart Vine (botanically known as Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is an attractive, subtropical evergreen climbing vine cherished for its unique, dual-colored blossoms that feature white heart-shaped calyxes from which rich red petals emerge.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Growth Habit: Twining evergreen vine or sprawling shrub that can climb up to 10–15 feet with a trellis or support frame.

• Flowers: Heart-shaped white calyxes with a bright red inner flower protruding out, creating the signature "bleeding" look.

• Foliage: Deep green, oval, textured leaves with prominent veins.

• Bloom Time: Free-flowering from late spring through autumn in tropical and subtropical regions.

Plant Care & Growing Guide

• Sunlight Requirements

  • Thrives best in partial shade or bright, indirect sunlight.

  • Needs protection from harsh, direct midday summer sun, which can scorch the leaves and fade the white calyxes.

• Watering

  • Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently damp during active growth.

  • Reduce watering slightly in winter, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

• Soil & Potting Mix

  • Prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

  • A mix of garden soil, coco peat or leaf mold, and compost works best.

• Temperature & Environment

  • Prefers warm, humid environments (18°C to 30°C).

  • Highly sensitive to frost; bring indoors or provide shelter during cold winter conditions.

• Fertilization

  • Feed every 2 to 3 weeks during the blooming season with a balanced organic liquid fertilizer or flower-boosting plant food.

• Pruning & Support

  • Provide a trellis, stake, or netting for the stems to climb.

  • Prune back after the main flowering season to control size, keep the vine tidy, and stimulate fresh shoots for the next bloom cycle.