All about glory

Amarjeet Singh Batth

Clerodendrum thomsoniae commonly called ‘Bleeding Glory’ is one of the prettiest vines with a spectacular show of beautiful colour combination of rich dark green leaves with white and red flowers. It is an evergreen bushy twinning vine that grows 10-12 feet tall and flowers profusely almost round the year except during a lean period in peak winters. The stem is semi woody which bears glossy dark green leaves. The double-coloured flowers are produced in cymes,  each consisting of five white to pale calyx and equal number of five red corollas looking like a row of dangling hearts each entangling from another.

Where to plant

Bleeding Glory flourishes in sunny locations as it needs bright but filtered sunlight. Morning evening sunlight is welcome, but the plant needs shelter from harsh mid day sun rays.    

Propagation 

This vine can be propagated both by seed and cuttings. Take a cutting not too young or too mature having at least 3-4 nodes. Remove the lower leaves and give an inclined cut with sterilised knife to the lower side of the stem and treat it with a growth hormone. Care the cuttings for 8-10 weeks till it sprouts leading to a new plant. Bleeding Glory goes dormant in winters as climate gets extremely cold. The vine sheds leaves and may give a dead look. Do not uproot the plant but maintain it with reduced watering and no dose of fertiliser. Place the pots under cover of a tree or inside ‘verandah’. Outside plants can be covered to protect from frost. As the temperature started getting normal it starts showing its floral form and colors magic. 

Irrigation

This vine enjoys moisture but not water logging. Therefore, you have to ensure that there is a natural water source around to keep the roots moist. 

Fertiliser

It needs rich soil. So add compost and fertilisers at the time of planting. ‘Neem khaad’ gives natural protection against pests and diseases. A monthly topping, preferably with liquid manure, is highly beneficial. 

Pruning 

The vine does not grow vigorously, hence pruning is confined to shaping it into a good appearance and removal of dead wood. New stems sprout from the pruned place.  

Pests and diseases

Clerodendrum thomsoniae is prone to fungal attack so be watchful and treat with Bavistin.

Tending tips

• It requires well drained soil and deep irrigation. 
• A dose of manure after the rainy season in September followed by N-P-K (nitrogen- phosphorus - potassium) in October and another in November keeps the climber in vigor and gear up for a spectacular display of flowers. 
• It require heavy pruning just after the rains.  
• Dead or diseased plant parts can be removed any time of the year. 
• Propagation is done during the rainy season by separating the root suckers and through air or ground layering. 
• Almost free from any serious threat but watch out for leaf spot problem, aphids, mealy bugs and spider mites.