When is the blooming period of Bleeding Glory-bower (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) generally?
Bleeding Glory-bower is a shrub widely distributed in tropical West Africa and Mexico, and it is also cultivated in China now. It has both medicinal and ornamental value and can be grown as a potted plant. So when is its blooming period? How do you care for it?
Bleeding Glory-bower blooming period
The blooming period of Bleeding Glory-bower is March to May. During this period the calyx is white, and the corolla is dark red and covered with fine glandular hairs. It likes to grow in a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment with plenty of sunlight, and it is not cold-tolerant.
How do you care for Bleeding Glory-bower?
1. Light
Bleeding Glory-bower likes a sunny environment, especially during its blooming period. Stronger light promotes flower bud differentiation and development. If it is kept in a shaded, lightless environment for a long time, it will not only be unfavorable for blooming, but even if it does bloom, the flowers are very likely to drop.
2. Watering
Bleeding Glory-bower is fairly sensitive to moisture, and it needs plenty of water during the growing season. During the stem and leaf growing period, keep the potting soil moist, but do not overwater. Too much water will cause it to grow only vines without blooming, yellowing and dropping leaves, and root rot and death. If the branches wither, stop watering and let it recover and sprout new leaves. In the hot summer season, water thoroughly and provide appropriate shade. In winter, reduce watering to let it go dormant so it can overwinter safely.
3. Fertilizing
Bleeding Glory-bower should not be fertilized too much. Fertilize once every half month, and during the blooming season add 1-2 applications of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer or high potassium nitrate fertilizer, or apply once every 7-10 days a diluted, fully decomposed cake fertilizer solution, for 3-4 consecutive applications. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. If yellowing is found during cultivation of Bleeding Glory-bower, apply 0.2% ferrous sulfate solution together with topdressing, and the leaves will gradually turn from yellow to green.
4. Pruning
Each year in March to April, before new branches sprout, cut off all the upper branches about 10-15 cm from the pot rim to induce new branch growth and promote blooming. During the growing season, strictly control the height of the branches, and pay attention to pinching and topping to keep the branches neat and make future blooms dense.
5. Repotting
Bleeding Glory-bower is generally repotted once every 1-2 years, and repotting can be done in early spring or after the flowers fade.
Generally, Bleeding Glory-bower blooms once a year, but with proper care its blooming period can be appropriately extended. Flower lovers can refer to the content introduced above.