The “bleeding heart tree” is a captivating ornamental plant known for its distinctive blooms. Its common name comes from the unique shape and color of its flowers, which resemble a heart with a “drop” emerging from the bottom. This plant offers unique visual appeal, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
Understanding the Bleeding Heart Tree
The term “bleeding heart tree” most commonly refers to species within the Clerodendrum genus, particularly Clerodendrum trichotomum, also known as Harlequin Glorybower or Peanut Butter Tree. This plant grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 10 to 20 feet with a similar spread. Its leaves are ovate, dark green, and can emit a peanut-like aroma when bruised.
Another plant sometimes called “bleeding heart” is Clerodendrum thomsoniae, a vine often known as Bleeding Heart Vine or Glorybower. While Clerodendrum thomsoniae is a twining vine reaching up to 13 feet, Clerodendrum trichotomum is an upright shrub or small tree. Clerodendrum trichotomum flowers are fragrant and white, blooming from late summer into fall, followed by showy blue fruits encased in a red calyx. In contrast, Clerodendrum thomsoniae produces clusters of red flowers emerging from white, balloon-like calyxes, blooming year-round in tropical climates.
Neither of these Clerodendrum species is related to the perennial Dicentra spectabilis, the commonly known “bleeding heart” herbaceous plant. Clerodendrum trichotomum is hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10, though it may need protection in colder parts of its range. Clerodendrum thomsoniae, a tropical plant, is root hardy to USDA Zone 9 or 10, but requires frost protection and is often grown as an annual or indoors in cooler climates.
Planting Your Bleeding Heart Tree
Selecting the appropriate site is important for successful establishment. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, ensuring adequate light for growth and flowering. Protection from harsh winds is also beneficial, especially for younger plants, to prevent damage.
The bleeding heart tree prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, amending it with compost or other organic materials can improve drainage and nutrient content.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care for Bleeding Heart Trees
Consistent watering is important, especially for new plants and during dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues. Wilting leaves may indicate insufficient watering, while yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering.
Fertilizing supports growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. For Clerodendrum thomsoniae, a high phosphorus fertilizer can enhance blossoms and root strength. Additional feeding can involve monthly applications of a liquid soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning maintains the tree’s shape, promotes new blooms, and removes dead or diseased branches. For Clerodendrum trichotomum, pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Shaping can encourage a more tree-like form, as it often grows as a multi-stemmed shrub. For the vine species, training on a trellis or regular pinching can manage its sprawling habit.
Bleeding heart trees can encounter pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Good air circulation around the plant helps prevent fungal issues such as powdery mildew. Regularly inspecting the foliage allows for early detection and treatment, keeping the plant healthy.
Common Questions and Considerations
While Clerodendrum trichotomum is not highly toxic, caution is advised around pets and small children. Some plants in the Clerodendrum genus may cause mild irritation if ingested or through skin contact. Prevent consumption of any part of the plant.
If your bleeding heart tree is not blooming as expected, consider insufficient sunlight, improper pruning, or nutrient deficiencies. Lack of blooms can be addressed by ensuring adequate light, pruning at the correct time, or providing a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Yellowing leaves might indicate watering issues or a nutrient imbalance.
The bleeding heart tree, particularly Clerodendrum trichotomum, makes a good specimen plant due to its unique flowers and attractive fruit display. It can also be incorporated into shrub borders or woodland margins, providing late-season interest. For Clerodendrum thomsoniae, its vining nature makes it suitable for trellises, arbors, or as a container plant where it can trail.