The purple and white conspicuously-looking flower close to the heart of every gardener is a well-loved classic for those gardens that readily accept shade and adds a gentle touch of refinement to any landscaping design. Famous especially for its heart-shaped blossoms dangling from elegant stems, a bleeding heart flower is a true representation of its name.
Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis (incl. Dicentra spectabilis)
- Common Names: Bleeding heart, common bleeding heart, fern-leaved bleeding heart
- Family: Papaveraceae
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3 to 9
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Soil Requirements: Moist, light and free draining
- Soil pH: Acid to neutral
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Colors: Pink, white, red
- Native Area: Asia
Care Guidelines
To grow and make sure the bleeding heart flowers remain healthy, they are supposed to be planted in well-drained and highly organic soils in the months of early spring with correct backfilling placement ensuring that the root ball is at the right depth. To conserve water and control slugs and snails, apply a layer of compost and mulch.
Late spring to early summer is when they are in bloom, making these plants perfect for woodland areas. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade; in hot areas, they can also be grown in total shade.
While it is dormant, protect from aphids & pets and keep each plant’s soil just moist but not soaking wet. Beautify your garden or use as container plants on your patio or inside your home where you can water them and enjoy the blooms.
Light Requirements
Adored, bleeding hearts are best suited for borderline to fully shaded areas, making them perfect flowers for woodland and shade gardens. They do well in positions that are sunny in the morning but protected from strong sun during lunch hour. In the southerly warmer regions, they may require full shade to avoid burning the delicate leaves.
In cooler climates, they are capable of dealing with full sun provided that there is adequate water.
Soil Preferences
Bleeding heart plants grow well in moist, rich, and well-drained soils. Before planting, the soil can be improved with compost or organic matter to enhance nutrient content and moisture retention. The soil must be deep enough to accommodate the root ball, and it should be moderately acidic, so nutrient pH levels should be assessed.
For very dry and hot regions, ensure drainage to prevent root rot during hot summer days.
Watering Needs
The perennials that thrive in shade plants do not mind the soil being moist but not saturated. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot, and if it is too dry, the leaves and the stems of the plants may droop.
In dry climatic regions, more watering is recommended for these plants; however, between watering sessions, the uppermost layer of soil should be dry. Incorporating organic material can help achieve desired moisture retention properties while maintaining drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Bleeding heart flower blooms a flower in spring with a distinct pink heart-shaped form. It prefers a cooler climate, although it can thrive in warmer southern parts where it is placed in gentle sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
They are comfortable with plenty of moisture in the air but can adapt to dry conditions as long as the soil is moisture tolerant. However, if the weather is too humid, ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot. These plants will also enter a dormant stage during summer and will require regular watering and mulching to keep them healthy.
Fertilization
These plants grow best in soils rich in nutrients. Compost that has greatly decomposed works well and is best applied in spring. This timing caters to bursts of growth in energy-needing plants after a period of dormancy. This is crucial for the plant to produce necessary blooms later in the growing season. Additionally, mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Beware of fertilizer burning, which can result from excessive use causing growth of many leaves at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
The pruning of bleeding heart plants requires minimal care. When the plant breaks dormancy at the start of spring, search for shriveled and dead stems and cut them to allow new sprouts to use photosynthesis during the season. By early summer, when most flowers have withered and green leaves start fading to yellow, a U-shaped cut should be done, removing the plant just above the root collar to prepare it for dormancy.
This cutting helps the plant bloom more profusely the following year. In moderate climates where the plant doesn’t go totally dormant, simply remove the yellow leaves.
Winter Care
The bleeding heart plant goes dormant in the cold season. Prior to winter, trim the leaves after they turn brown and droopy but leave about 2 to 3 inches above ground. Place a thick layer of organic material such as compost or well-decayed manure and then add mulch to keep the roots warm and moist. In warmer climates, these plants may not die back completely, but mulching is still beneficial.
Ensure that the garden soil does not become waterlogged during winter, as these plants prefer moist conditions without being soggy.
Varieties
- Lamprocapnos Spectabilis ‘Alba’: This variety features plain white heart-shaped flowers.
- Lamprocapnos Spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’: Beautiful yellow foliage that cheers up shady spots, with pink, spring, and white flowers.
- Lamprocapnos Spectabilis ‘Valentine’: Characterized by deep red heart flowers from spring to early summer.
Planting from Seed
Choose the Right Location
Look for a position that receives morning sun but shade by afternoon, avoiding intense direct sunlight.
Prepare the Soil
Remove the earth and create a hole that is twice the size of the seed pot. First, add compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage if the soil is heavy clay.
Plant the Seeds
Place the seeds in the hole, cover them lightly with soil, and add mulch. Water thoroughly to prevent moisture loss.
Propagation
Prepare the Cutting
Pick a healthy and mature plant. Cut a stem below a leaf about 4-6 inches long, preferably where there are no flowers. Snip off the lower leaves to reduce moisture loss.
Rooting Hormone (Optional)
For more aggressive rooting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Prepare the Soil
Fill a small container with a well-draining potting mix that is slightly damp.
Plant the Cutting
Insert the exposed cut end into the mix and pack the soil around it, ensuring cuttings are spaced to avoid overcrowding.
Potting or Repotting
Choose Pot and Soil
Select a deep container that drains excess water. A combination of garden soil, compost, and organic matter should be used.
Prepare the Plant
Report in early spring, gently detaching it from its current container.
Planting
Fill the new pot with soil, place the plant in the center, and pack the soil around it. Water adequately.
Common Pests and Diseases
Aphids
These tiny pests suck the juices of the plants, causing wilting and discoloration. Regular checks and treatments with water or compost can manage them.
Slugs and Snails
Found in wet conditions, these pests chew on leaves and flower petals. Use mulch or containers to deter them.
Fusarium Wilt
A fungal disease that causes wilting or yellowing, thriving in waterlogged soils. Ensure proper soil conditions to prevent this disease. Remove infected parts to avoid spreading.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Usually an indicator of over-saturation or poorly drained soil. Check moisture levels and improve drainage if necessary.
Browning Tips
Possibly due to insufficient watering or excess sunlight. Relocate the plant and ensure consistent watering.
Summer Dormancy
A normal occurrence in warmer zones. During this period, reduce watering as the plant will recover vigorously in early spring.
