Tropicals
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
Bleeding heart vine · hanging basket
Also known as: Glorybower · Bagflower
White balloon-like calyces surround bright red flowers for a striking two-tone display. This tropical vine is unrelated to the hardy perennial bleeding heart. Train it up a trellis or let it mound and spill from a large basket.
At a glance
- Water
- Moist, well-drained mix
- Life cycle
- Tender climbing vine; may shed leaves in winter
- Bloom
- Red flowers with lasting white calyces; strongest display in summer.
- Light
- Sunny window; some direct sun for flowering
Sizes & prices
- 10"$29.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Wet soil
- Avoid soggy roots.
Pet safety
- Pet note
- This veterinary source found no published evidence of toxicity for this species; it is not pet food.
If a pet eats a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Organic-rich but well-drained potting mix.
- Winter
- Move indoors below 45°F. If dormant, water only enough to prevent complete drying and do not feed.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering; blooms form on new growth.
- Support
- Tie climbing stems to a trellis or pinch for a bushier basket.
- Feeding
- Water and feed regularly while actively growing.
- Pests
- Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.
- Size & training
- A twining climber that can reach about 8–13 ft. with support and a 3–5 ft. spread. Basket training and pruning keep it smaller.
Sources & photo credits
University of Wisconsin Extension
University of Zurich veterinary toxicology database
Photo: George Muttathil Pulikurumba · CC BY-SA 4.0
Image notes: Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Available sizes and selections vary. Uncropped.
Reviewed September 26, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.