How to Grow Red Nose
Red Nose
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
vineRed Nose is a tender perennial climbing vine native to Mexico, prized for its distinctive dark burgundy, tubular flowers that resemble a nodding nose or bell shape. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and produces cascading blooms throughout the growing season. It's popular as a hanging basket plant or ornamental climber in containers and gardens.
When should you plant Red Nose in your zone?
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Example Red Nose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Nose
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Nose
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Nose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and pale green
Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 65-75°F temperature, ensure good air circulation to prevent damping off
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapidly developing vines with multiple stems and heart-shaped leaves; plant becomes bushy and establishes climbing structure
Provide support structure (trellis, stakes, or hanging basket frame), pinch back growing tips to encourage branching, fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Flowering Onset
1-2 weeksFirst flower buds appear as dark, pendulous nodules on the stems; buds develop burgundy-red coloration
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth, reduce nitrogen-heavy feeding to encourage blooms, ensure adequate light, provide support for heavy blooming vines
Peak Flowering
6-12 weeks (or until frost)Abundant dark burgundy, tubular flowers hang from stems, creating dramatic cascading display; flowers may have lighter calyx backing
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming, water regularly as flowering is water-intensive, fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus), watch for pests
Late Season/Decline
4-8 weeksFlowering slows as temperatures cool or plant approaches end of season; foliage may become sparse
Reduce watering slightly, discontinue fertilizing, prune back in late fall if perennial, bring containers indoors before first frost in cold climates
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects; maintain good air circulation
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Increase humidity by misting, use miticide or neem oil spray, prune heavily infested foliage
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, improve air circulation
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, introduce ladybugs
Uses
Ornamental Cascading Display
OrnamentalRed Nose is primarily grown for its striking dark burgundy, bell-shaped flowers that create a dramatic hanging display in containers, baskets, and as a climbing accent in gardens. [source]
Container & Hanging Garden Design
HouseholdPerfect for mixed containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and vertical gardens, adding exotic color and texture to patios, balconies, and interior spaces. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and bees, making it valuable for creating pollinator-friendly garden displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flowers regularly (once they fade or close permanently) by pinching or cutting just below the calyx to promote continuous blooming. Remove any dead or yellowing stems to maintain plant vigor. In frost-prone areas, cut back vines by half in fall before bringing indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Red Nose' comes from the flower's distinctive nodding, tubular form with a darker pointed tip that resembles a burgundy nose hanging downward.
- 🌱 Red Nose is often called 'Bleeding Heart Flower' in some regions due to the deep burgundy coloration, though it is unrelated to true Bleeding Heart plants (Dicentra).
- 🌱 The plant is tender and perennial in tropical and subtropical zones but is widely grown as a heat-loving annual in temperate climates, often thriving in areas with hot summers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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