Bleeding Heart Vine

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Bleeding Heart Vine)

Life: Perennial     Size: 8-12′     Light: Full to Partial Sun     Water: Moderately Moist, Well Drained     Soil: Fertile, Acidic to Neutral Sandy Loam to Clay Loam

An outstanding climbing vine with green foliage and beautiful, interesting flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from spring until fall. The blooms are red with heart-shaped white sepals, creating the visual effect of “bleeding hearts”. Though they are a tropical vine, they are often root-hardy in Houston if given a heavy mulching to protect the roots in winter. Bring potted plants indoors before a freeze.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae delectum
(Purple Bleeding Heart Vine)

Life: Perennial     Size: 5′ tall, 2′ wide   Light: Bright Shade Water: Moist, Well Drained   Soil: Fertile, Acidic to Neutral Loam to Sand

Also sold as C. speciosum, C. delectum, C. phillippinum, or C. balfouri, it is one of the few vines that will bloom in the shade, though it must not be too deeply shaded. It is a unique color variation of the more familiar Bleeding Heart vine, with deep red flowers and a purple to lavender bract behind them. An excellent climber, it should be trained on an arbor or trellis, or used in the landscape where it can run up a tree or fence. Plant it in a location sheltered from extreme cold, or keep it in a container that can be moved to shelter in winter. The only pruning that should be necessary is to trim dead twigs and tips following frost damage.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae variegata
(Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine)

No photo.

Life: Perennial     Size: 8-12′     Light: Full to Partial Sun     Water: Moderately Moist, Well Drained     Soil: Fertile, Acidic to Neutral Sandy Loam to Clay Loam

An outstanding climbing vine with green foliage variegated with chartreuse or cream and beautiful, interesting flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from spring until fall. The blooms are red with heart-shaped white sepals, creating the visual effect of “bleeding hearts”. Though they are a tropical vine, they are often root-hardy in Houston if given a heavy mulching to protect the roots in winter. Bring potted plants indoors before a freeze.