Planting, Growing, and Caring for Bleeding Hearts
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The old-fashioned “bleeding heart” flower has long been a favorite perennial of the shady flower garden. This hardy plant blooms prolifically in early spring and finishes its growing cycle when warm weather sets in. Learn when to plant bleeding heart, how to care for it, and other tips in our growing guide.
About Bleeding Heart Flower
Once called the finest hardy plant of the 19th century, bleeding heart soon became as “common as a wallpaper pattern.” Today, this perennial is in favor because it is easy to grow and nothing surpasses its attention-getting form: graceful arching, 3-foot stems adorned with dangling pink, red, or white flower hearts. The hearts appear to be dripping (hence its most common name).
Blooming in the spring, bleeding heart will grow up to 2 feet high and up to 30 inches wide. It finishes its growing cycle when warm weather sets in. The flowers fade, the leaves die back, and the plant goes dormant in late spring or early summer.
Bleeding Hearts are woodland plants so they enjoy the partial shade of spring-flowering trees such as dogwoods and serviceberries. They won’t flower in deep shade. Near the house, mix with hostas and lamium for texture.
Image: S.O.E./Shutterstock
Planting
Bleeding heart is hardy in Zones 2 to 9. Choose a site with part sun or light shade. Soil must be fertile like their woodland environment; add organic matter such as decayed leaves (leaf mold) or good compost. Ensure soil is well-draining but generally moist, never dried-out.
When to Plant Bleeding Heart
- Plant tubers in spring after the threat of frost has passed or in the early fall. (See local frost dates.)
How to Plant Bleeding Heart
- Space old-fashioned bleeding hearts about 24 inches apart.
- Loosen the soil to 1 foot deep, mix in organic matter, and plant tubers about an inch below the surface; backfill and firm soil.
- Water to soak the soil after planting.
- Spread mulch (such as decayed leaves) around the plant to keep moisture in and weeds out.
Types
There are more than 20 species of Dicentra. Many new hybrids have been developed to increase heat tolerance and vigor.
- Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’: chartreuse foliage
- D. spectabilis ‘Alba’: white flowers
- D. spectabilis ‘Valentine’: white-tip cherry-red blooms on burgundy stems
- D. eximia ‘Zestful’: native to North America; “fringed” (fern-leaf) foliage, with pale pink flowers; 12-18 inches tall
- D. extimia ‘King of Hearts’: small, fern-leaf foliage, with rose-red flowers.
- D. eximia ‘Aurora’: small, fern-leaf foliage, with white blooms.
- D. cucullaria (aka “Dutchman breeches”): native to North America; fragrant, yellow-tip white flowers resembling pantaloons; 4 to 12 inches tall
Image: The delicate pantaloon-shape blooms of Dutchman’s Breeches. Credit: Mike Truchon/Shutterstock
Pests/Diseases
- Bleeding heart is resistant to deer and rabbits.
- Diseases: aster yellows; southern blight; fungal leaf spot; powdery mildew; Fusarium wilt; Verticillium wilt.
- Pest: aphids
Catherine Boeckmann
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I planted a bleeding heart 3 yrs ago. First year did great. Next two years it starts to grow. Think it might do something. Next day something got at it right down to soil level. Not sure what is eating it. Not sure if there is enough stem left. Thought I would try to cage it
I have a bleeding heart vine, I was wondering if you know of any good articles or something that you could possibly email me. It was given to me about 3 yrs ago as baby but only really watered it until this last year, when I realized that I just might have a lime green thumb. Got from fiance's mom, she has hers inside so that's where mine is. I live in NW Washington.
I had a Bleeding Heart for at least ten years. Big and Beautiful. Then several years ago it never came back. In the same area I have Lily of the Valley. Do you think the Lilies crowded it out? Thank you
Hi Joanne,
While lily of the valley is a beautiful late spring bloomer, it is an aggressive spreader. Its underground rhizomes will quickly take over an area if left unattended and will choke out weeds and other plants in its vicinity. It appears this is unfortunately what happened to your bleeding heart. You can attempt to dig up the rhizomes in that area of your property if there are any other plants near by you want to protect, but remember if any rhizomes remain, the plant will continue to spread each year.
It is often best to plant lily of the valley in an area where it can live on its own and prevent it from negatively affecting other plants.
I leave the flowers to go to seed. This is the easiest way to increase and replenish these easy and beautiful plants. You can collect the seeds when ripe and sprinkle throughout your property.
The seedlings very soon grow to maturity.
I especially like the white variety and yes, they make lovely indoor, long lasting vase flowers.
Bleeding heart beautiful. I am 64 never seen this before. Where can I buy one. I live in Kentucky.
available in walmart
Bleeding heart blooms in very early spring, so you’ll often find at nurseries or garden centers at that time of the year!
RECEIVED AS GIFT. NOW KNOW WHERE TO PLANT.THANK YOU. SINCERELY, ELISE MURPHY
Thank you for article in today's email
