Sam Poché: My Favorite Plant

By Sam Poché
from The Punch, July/Aug '07

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

The Bleeding Heart Vine is truly beautiful. It is hardy here in New Orleans, and can probably be grown in colder zones if taken indoors in the winter. It originates from West Africa. It also goes by Bleeding Glory Bower, Tropical Bleeding Heart, Bag Flower and Glory Tree.

It thrives here but does need protection from freezes.  And, while it may lose its leaves after a real cold snap, in late spring it will sprout along what looks to be dead wood. It also sprouts from ground roots. Cuttings can be rooted in water and in soil, if kept moist.

 I’ve found that it does well in containers but can really flourish in the ground. I’ve never tried growing it in a hanging basket but imagine it should do well as long as it has ample moisture and good drainage. It can withstand dry conditions, but the leaves are fragile without regular watering.  Whether grown in containers or in the ground it does need some type of support. An arbor, trellis or sweet olive tree can serve the purpose. 

It likes lots of moisture and appears to prefer morning sun but will tolerate late evening sun.   These calyces of the purest white imaginable shelter blooms, sometimes called corollae, of pure scarlet for a most striking effect.  They bloom sporadically Spring through Fall, heaviest during the Summer.