Clerodendro

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Clerodendrum

Species

thomsoniae

Description

A climbing shrub that can reach a height of 3 metres, provided it is sheltered in a warm spot during winter.
It flowers in summer, displaying five white sepals arranged in a flask-like shape, whilst the true flowers are the central, protruding part, bright scarlet in colour, from which four slightly arched stamens extend.

Suitable for planters and pots, taking care not to expose it to temperatures below 13–14°C; therefore, bring it indoors early in late summer and keep it fairly dry in winter.

Curiosities and special features

In English, it is often referred to as the ‘bleeding-heart vine’ because of the distinctive shape and colour of its inflorescences.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the region stretching from tropical West Africa as far as Cameroon; it was introduced to Europe and described in 1862.

Leaf

The leaves, which are evergreen and opposite, have lanceolate blades.

Leaf colour

Plain-coloured, in a colour scheme that harmonises with the shades of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.3 to 0.8 m under typical growing conditions.

It can even reach a height of 3 or 4 metres.

Lifespan

Polyennial evergreen shrub.

Where to plant

Given its spreading habit and thermal requirements, it is recommended as a plant for window boxes and outdoor planters.

Stem

A semi-woody shrub; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and of medium size, with a dialipetal corolla and solid-coloured petals. It grows in medium-sized racemes or clusters. It flowers from late spring to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops a climbing habitus.

Branching

It develops amoderate branching pattern, resulting in a dense canopy.

PH

It requires a substrate pH of between 5.5 and 6.0.

Pay attention to the hardness of the watering water, as a soil pH above 6.0 can lead to iron chlorosis.

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade.

It requires plenty of light but should be sheltered from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest hours of the afternoon, as this can cause leaf scorch.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 26 °C. The biological temperature range is between 10 and 34 °C.

It does not tolerate the cold, showing signs of stress such as leaf drop as early as 10°C.

It is also sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.

Use

The uniqueness and elegance of its blooms make it a widely appreciated plant in:
Ornamental use

Hardiness

Of medium-low hardiness.

Soil

It requires a well-draining, light-textured growing medium.

A potting mix for green houseplants, containing peat and fine perlite, is recommended.

Difficulty

It can be difficult to grow, but by ensuring the right light and temperature conditions, you will achieve excellent growth and flowering results.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines:
Place the plant in the brightest possible spot Avoid overwatering

Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day and water the soil without causing waterlogging.

Pruning

At the end of winter, remove any damaged branches to give the plant a neat shape.

Propagation

By node or tip cuttings.

Watering

Water the growing medium without causing waterlogging, to which the plant is sensitive and may react by developing yellowing leaves.

Reduce watering during the winter.

Fertilising

During the growing season, add a liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering plants to the potting compost every two weeks, diluting it in the watering can.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Toxic

Tip

It is a plant with very high temperature requirements and can start to shed its leaves even at 10 degrees. It is also sensitive to waterlogging, showing signs of distress through yellowing leaves.