bleeding heart glory-bower

plant

Also known as: Clerodendrum thomsonae

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "bleeding heart glory-bower" refers to Clerodendrum thomsonae, a woody vine native to Africa. This plant is known for its sprays of blooms that resemble bleeding hearts, set against glossy, dark-green, oval leaves.1

It's important to distinguish this from the plant commonly called "bleeding heart," which belongs to the genus Dicentra or Lamprocapnos and is part of the poppy family. These plants, native to temperate woodlands in Asia and North America, are popular shade-garden ornamentals known for their heart-shaped flowers. All parts of these Dicentra and Lamprocapnos species are considered poisonous if ingested.2

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glory-bower
Bleeding heart glory-bower (C. thomsonae), a woody vine from Africa, has sprays of blooms, resembling bleeding heart, amid glossy, dark-green, oval leaves. Scarlet glory-bower (C. splendens), also an African vine, has clusters of red-orange flowers among heart-shaped leaves. Common in tropical gardens is C. speciosum,…
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Bleeding heart glory-bower (C. thomsonae), a woody vine from Africa, has sprays of blooms, resembling bleeding heart, amid glossy, dark-green, oval leaves. Scarlet glory-bower (C. splendens), also an African vine, has clusters of red-orange flowers among heart-shaped leaves. Common in tropical gardens is C. speciosum,…
Read More