Species bleeding heart
White-red flowers with white stigmas on green petioles and green leaves with green veins on green-brown stems

bleeding heart

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

The bleeding heart (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is an amazing flower species that produces clusters of soft, deep pink heart-shaped blooms from late spring onwards. Its foliage is made up of deep green, glossy ovate leaves that compliment its flowers beautifully. This plant requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for something easy to look after. It is a great addition to patio gardens and even makes an interesting conversation piece among friends. Its vibrant colors can brighten up any living space, making it a must-have for any green-fingered enthusiast.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

White calyces with dark red corolla Flowers

Sun:

part shade,full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bleeding hearts should be watered regularly throughout the growing season, which is typically from early spring until late fall in most regions. When watering bleeding hearts, make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Aim for a deep water every 7-10 days, depending on the temperatures and rainfall in your area. If the soil is drying out more quickly, you may need to water more frequently. In the winter, you should reduce watering to give the plant a chance to rest and go dormant.

sunlight

Bleeding heart plants (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) will benefit from abundant sunlight. This species requires about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day - preferably in the morning. Sunlight should also be supplemented with some indirect light during the afternoon. Keeping the plants in areas with filtered sunlight will ensure that your bleeding hearts are getting the proper amount of both direct and indirect light each day.

pruning

Pruning should be done on a regular basis to promote healthy growth in a bleeding heart plant (Clerodendrum thomsoniae). Pruning should take place once or twice a year, preferably in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. To prune a bleeding heart, carefully cut away any dead or diseased branches and thin out excess foliage as needed. When cutting away branches, make the cuts at a 45-degree angle and keep them slightly above the new growth bud. This will promote more vigorous new growth. Additionally, removing any old flowers will help promote blooming the following year. Pruning should never be done after the end of summer since this could damage or kill the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Clerodendrum thomsoniae typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Clerodendrum thomsoniae typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

How long does a bleeding heart plant live?

The Bleeding Heart plant is an attractive perennial flowering species with long-lasting displays of attractive flowers. It typically lives for between 2 and 5 years, but may live longer if given the right soil, sunlight, and water conditions. This is considered to be a relatively short lifespan in comparison to some other plants, but this can change depending on the individual plant and its environment.

Could bleeding heart grow in a hanging basket?

Yes, bleeding heart can grow in a hanging basket. The plant is a perennial and has graceful arching stems full of dangling blooms. It has small, heart shaped pink or white flowers that put on a show of color against the light green foliage and stems. When planting in a hanging basket, ensure the basket is large enough to provide the necessary root space and ample drainage. Only use a lightweight soil and make sure that it doesn't stay too wet.Bleeding heart is a beautiful choice for hanging baskets and requires very little maintenance.

Do bleeding heart flowers bloom all summer?

No, bleeding heart flowers typically do not bloom all summer. They tend to flower in late spring and then again in late summer or early fall, providing two distinct periods of blooming throughout the season. The flowers go into dormancy in the warmer months when temperatures are too high for them to flourish. During this resting phase, the plant will enter a period of dormancy where foliage will die back and the plant's energy reserves will be renewed.

Are bleeding heart flowers fragrant?

Bleeding Heart flowers are a popular garden variety native to North America and Europe, and although they are most noted for their unique heart-shaped flowers, they are not particularly known for their fragrance. These flowers produce a light, but barely noticeable fruity scent that is mostly lost on the human nose. If you are searching for fragrant flowers, consider buds with a stronger scent such as roses, lilac, and lilies.

Is bleeding heart a good plant for a cutting garden?

Yes, the Bleeding Heart plant is an excellent addition to a cutting garden. It produces tooth-shaped pink and white flowers that hang from a thin stem, making them perfect for cutting. The plant is also long-lasting in the garden and it can produce new blooms for up to four months during the warmer months. It grows easily in partial or full shade and requires little maintenance. Additionally, it can also be used to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

Should I mulch around my bleeding heart plant?

Yes, it's a good idea to mulch around your bleeding heart plant. Mulch helps preserve soil moisture and keeps weeds away. It also helps to control soil temperature and improve soil structure, which can help your plant stay healthy and thrive. Be sure to use an organic mulch, such as bark chips or shredded leaves, and keep it a few inches away from the stems and foliage of the plant. You can also spread it in a circular pattern around the plant for a decorative look.

Could a bleeding heart grow in a greenhouse?

Yes, a bleeding heart can grow in a greenhouse. It is a perennial flowering plant that thrives in partial to full shade and average to moist soil conditions. Maintaining a stable temperature between 50-60F and adequate humidity can be a challenge in a greenhouse, but it can easily be achieved with proper ventilation and insulation. The potting mix should be well drained, yet holds moisture well so that the plant can get the necessary nutrients. A weekly dose of balanced fertilizer is recommended to keep the plant healthy and flowering throughout the season.

How many blooms can a bleeding heart plant produce in a season?

A bleeding heart plant can produce a plentiful amount of beautiful blooms throughout its bloom season, which typically runs from early spring to late summer in most areas. The number of blooms per plant can vary greatly, ranging from only a few to a massive amount, depending on the care and attention the plant receives. With the right conditions and adequate care, a single bleeding heart plant can produce over 50 blooms in a single season!