Clerodendrum is a beautiful genus of flowering plants that gained popularity in the spring markets thanks to its brilliant spring color.
It’s a tender, fast-growing tropical climbing vine belonging to the genus Clerodendrum and is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mints family.
The plants were formerly identified in the Verbenaceae family but were transferred to the Lamiaceae in the 1900s.
The Lamiaceae family is a family of flowering plants with over 7,000 species and 236 genera. They’re commonly known for their attractive flowers and fragrant leaves.
This makes Clerodendrum closely related to Lamiaceae’s aromatic members, including bee balm, catnip, lavender, mint, salvia, and thyme, among others.
Clerodendrums were named in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, taxonomist, physician, and zoologist who standardized the binomial nomenclature.
The genus name was derived from two Greek words, “kleros,” which means fate or change, and “dendron,” meaning a tree.
In nature, this twining evergreen is native to the world’s warm temperate and tropical regions, most often found in southern Asia, tropical Africa, northern Australasia, and tropical Africa.
They are spectacular plants in bloom, producing large clusters of slightly flat flowers with glossy, oval leaves.
Other common names of this plant include:
- Bleeding Heart Vine
- Bleeding glory bower
- Bagflower
- Glory-bower
- Tropical bleeding heart
Currently, there are about 150 to 300 species, as 30 have been transferred to Rotheca.
Some of the most popular grown and cultivated species include:
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae also spelled as C. thomsoniae
- Clerodendrum bungei
- Clerodendrum chinense
- Clerodendrum infortunatum
- Clerodendrum paniculatum
- Clerodendrum quadriloculare
- Clerodendrum trichotomum
Quick Tips On Clerodendrum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Light: Partial shade or dappled sunlight
- Temperature: 64° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Frequent watering needs; consistently moist
- Fertilizer: Slow-release or water-soluble fertilizer monthly
- Propagation: Cuttings or serpentine layering
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, spider mites
Clerodendrum Care
Clerodendrums are relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are the steps to consider when growing them at home.
How Big Does The Bleeding Heart Vine Grow?
This genus of shrubs, vines, and small trees usually grow from 3′ to 15′ feet tall and 5′ feet wide in its native habitat.
However, this height variation may differ depending on the species’ growth habit.
For example, C. floribundum can reach a towering height of 98′ feet tall.
When Does The Bleeding Heart Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Bleeding Heart Vines C. thomsoniae produces large clusters of showy flowers of up to 20 together.
The flowers are small, balloon-like white calyxes with brilliant crimson or dark red corollas and prominent style and stamens that extend beyond the petals.
As the flowers age, they turn from snowy white to pale pink or lavender and become a shade of tan as they dry up.
Thomsoniae features glossy, dark-green, oval leaves with pointed ends and smooth edges that are 5″ to 7″ inches long.
You may witness Bleeding Heart blooming in mid-winter and early spring, often lasting several months with a delicate fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Bleeding heart is a tropical plant performing best in dappled sunlight or partial shade. A spot exposed to morning sun and afternoon shade is a good planting location.
As for humidity, this plant prefers plenty of moisture with a minimum humidity of 50% percent or higher.
The ideal growing temperatures range from 64° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit, but it will get injured at any temperature lower than 45° degrees Fahrenheit. Bleeding heart grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 in a partially sunlit area without any protection.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Bleeding Heart Cleodendrum?
Bleeding Hearts need regular watering, especially during their active growing season.
Ensure the soil has at least 1″ inch of water per week, but be careful not to overwater it, as it can lead to root rot.
In winter, cut down watering and do so about twice a month. You can also mist your plant if it’s grown indoors and the house is dry.
Clerodendrums need regular fertilization to produce blooms. During its blooming season, feed it with slow-release fertilizer every two months, or apply water-soluble fertilizer every month.
What Is The Best Soil For Clerodendrum Plants, And When Should You Transplant?
Clerodendrums thrive in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
However, it can tolerate various soil types, including sandy or loamy soil, as long as it’s rich in organic material.
When transplanting the vines, it’s best to do it approximately every one to two years, depending on the size and growth of the plant.
Do Clerodendrum Vines Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Prune plants before new growth appear in early spring or late winter, cutting stems to about 12″ inches.
You can also do a minor trimming of the vine anytime. The plant can also be pinched to maintain its shrub-like form or left to be a mound.
Moreover, provide support like a trellis if you want to let it climb as a vine.
How To Propagate Glory-Bower Plant?
Glory-Bower Plant can best be propagated by stem cuttings and serpentine layering. However, cutting is the easier method.
To propagate Glory-Bower Plant via stem cutting, here’s how:
- Clip about 3″ to 4″ inches of semi-ripe stem cutting using sterilized pruning snips.
- Make a straight cut below a leaf node.
- Pull the leaves but keep the top three leaves.
- Put the end of the stem cutting in a moistened soil-filled pot.
- Place the pot on a sunny window sill or a heating pad.
- Don’t forget to mist the Glory-Bower plant daily.
Roots should water from the stem cuttings in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Clerodendrum Plants Pests And Diseases
Clerodendrums are susceptible to a few pests, including mealybugs and spider mites.
You will know there are mealybugs on your plant when there are white tuffs behind the leaves and stems.
As for spider mites, a clear sign of an infestation is silk webbing.
You can remedy this by washing the plants with soapy water or applying a natural insecticide like Neem oil.
Uses Of Bleeding Heart Vine
Due to their dazzling blooms and glossy green foliage, Clerodendrum plants are a great addition to your garden or terrace, adding vivid displays of colors in spring.
Some species also make beautiful houseplants and hanging baskets. Plants can also be trained to climb on a trellis, which creates an exciting contrast in your landscape.