The Bleeding-Heart Vine: A Romantic Cascade of Color

The Bleeding-heart vine is not related to the traditional heart-shaped Dicentra found in temperate gardens. This tropical flowering plant is part of the Verbenaceae or Lamiaceae family (classification varies), and it’s native to tropical West Africa.Its common name comes from the striking two-tone flowers—pure white outer sepals shaped like hearts, from which emerge bright red petals that resemble drops of blood. When in bloom, the plant looks like it's spilling romance from every vine.

The flower’s design feels almost poetic. The white outer part, often compared to a heart, cradles the red, which bursts out like a flame—or a bleeding wound. This natural contrast creates an emotional, dramatic visual. It’s no surprise that the plant has earned names like "bleeding heart" and “love-in-tears.

The Bleeding-heart vine is a fast-growing, evergreen climber in warm climates. It can be grown as a vine, scrambling over trellises, fences, and pergolas, or pruned into a large bush or even container plant. It thrives in tropical and subtropical zones and can be grown as a houseplant in cooler regions.Flowers: Clusters of red and white flowers that bloom mainly in spring and summer (but can appear all year in tropical areas).Leaves: Glossy, dark green, ovate leaves that provide a rich background for the bright blooms.,