Clerodendrum thomsoniae ‘Bleeding Heart Red’ – Glory Bower – Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)

Description Clerodendrum thomsoniae ‘Bleeding Heart Red’ is a tropical twining evergreen vine commonly known as glory bower or bleeding heart vine. It produces large, showy clusters of lightly fragrant crimson red blooms with prominent stamens that emerge from balloon-like rich mauve calyces. Even after the red flowers fall, these calyces can remain for several months slowly fading in colour with age. If pollinated, the flowers will produce green fruits which will ripen to red then black splitting open to reveal black seeds and fleshy orange interiors. Very floriferous in summer if given lots of sun and warmth, sufficient water and fertilizer. In a warm sun room or greenhouse plants can also bloom in other seasons. The glossy, oval, dark green leaves are 5-7 inches long. Can be kept in a container with a structural support or pinch back into a shrub-like form. Works well in hanging baskets. Can take hard pruning. Overwinter in a frost-proof area or as a houseplant. Will attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.