Red Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae)

INTRODUCTION:

This particular type of Bleeding Heart Vine share the same botanic name (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) however this particular plant appears to be totally from a different cultivar from the white version.

Appears to have red calyces with mauve blooms and the flowers seemed to be more smaller with more blooms in comparison to the white version.

Other than the appearance, the care and cultivation of this particular vining plant is very much similar like the white variety.

The tiny flower buds are already in appearance from the side shoot together with the leaf nodes. These are very fragile also in strong vining grip characteristics. 

PROPAGATION

The best I found is from the matured stem cuttings. 
They may stay dormant for weeks, then sprouts may appear from the nodes. 

Sometimes few of the cuttings may not survive - so it is best to have more cuttings planted than just one. I had planted like 5 vines and only 3 survived, even then only two managed to reach maturity stage. 

Once they start growing - you really don't have to worry as more vines and new plants emerge from the base roots area. 

PRUNING:

One of the most challenging part for this shrub is pruning. They do grow extremely fast and become very unruly if not proper care is not given - especially when it comes to growth factor, this plant focus more on branching more stem and over growth rather than blooms which can be one of the down-side coming from this ever blooming plant.

However with the right pruning method and keeping it trimmed and manageable size - this one can be such a beauty. This plant can become into a full grown tree - hence pruning and keeping focused in making its growth into one main stem can allow it to bloom more gracefully and not creating a wild-like shrub with stem branching everywhere.

This particular plant blooms constantly on a daily basis.

HARDINESS

They do so well in shaded or semi-shade areas.
They survive in hot sunny area but they tend to have burned leaves and blooms. I find they are very hardy when it comes to pest. Quite a resistant plant.
The blooms last for weeks and newer blooms sprouts within a month.

WATERING & FEEDING:

It may require a good adequate watering - both morning and evening based on the size of the plant.
You can grow it in a nice medium or large size pot, the plant will behave and grow based on the size of the pot. However I would recommend this to grow freely on ground if you want lushful beautiful constant blooms.

Also this plant is a heavy feeder and do feed adequately during the flowering season.

However take note that over-watering can cause them to bud-drop especially during the rainy season, hence a well balance fast draining medium to ensure no root rot occurs.

LIGHT:

Being a Tropical plant does require good strong indirect bright sunshine, It can tolerate growing in shaded area however it must receive at least few hours of sunshine. It does not do well in heavy shaded area and may not bloom in such conditions. Also the leaves may turn yellow to light green/pale green and also become leggy. Another factor in the lack of sunlight may cause the plant to become stress and can attract pest to heavily attack on them.

Hence do give a thought if your are not having open garden area as this would not so well as indoor plant - even placing them as a balcony potted plant can be challenging if they do not receive adequate light.

SOIL MEDIUM:

Considering one of the most basic thing about planting material - this one doesn't require anything special - just any balanced potting mix will do. They seem to do fine in a medium or big potted plant - however they will do great if they are planted directly into the garden soil as these will require just that to produce those lovely blooms.

However if limitation occurs where you can only grow in pot - then a good balanced potting mix with rich amount of organic material and equal part of well drained soil which will help from root rot. 

Instance as such as these - they are often planted straight into open garden land where they are not in a pot - hence they appear hardy and able to take the heavy pruning.

PROPAGATION:

Propagation can be done but stem cutting, stripping off the bottom leaves and poking it into a deep pot with a rich potting soil. Keep it in shade until you notice a new leaves growth.

Another method is to put the cutting into perlite medium (soaked in water)  Once taken roots, it should be carefully transplanted into a good potting mix..



SETBACK

They are invasive & will crawl & twine all over, everywhere.
The vine seemed to sprout more side branches and they tend to knot here & there which may look ugly.

One vine when through a hanging pot watering hole and came out sprouting with few branches and that one was heavy with blooms. I had only trimmed it off after the flowering season was over. This is one of the reasons why they need pruning time to time.

The vine are very flexible and you may need to watch out as they do tend to be so elastic that the tendency of it to slap back at your face like a whip can happen.

They do have a running underground rhizomes that new shoots to pop out elsewhere in the garden space. So you may have to watch out for that too. Once you plant this plant - consider it as a permanent plant in your garden, or else don't plant it because you will have hard time removing it.
(unless you are considering a major renovation in your garden)

Do click on the link below for more detailed information on the other Clerodendrum Plants and Posts:
Different Types of Clerodendrum Plant