Asian Bleeding Heart

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Asian bleeding hearts are a traditional cottage garden plant and are much loved for their deep green foliage and unusually shaped flowers that appear early in the spring. Formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis, Lamprocapnos spectabilis has the largest flowers of the species with a bicolor white and pink combination that is perfect in an early spring garden. This plant is known by a range of common names including lady in the boat, Dutchman’s breeches, and lady’s locket. 

The large, deep green leaves provide a good filler for mixed container plantings of seasonal bulbs or annuals. Few pests or diseases bother Asian bleeding hearts. Even though the tender new growth emerges early in the spring, deer and rabbits are rarely a problem. Bleeding hearts are not considered drought tolerant although they usually require little supplemental watering if you garden in an area that receives regular spring rains. 

Asian Bleeding Heart Care

Asian bleeding hearts are shade tolerant and able to grow in bright or full shade while still providing brilliant flower displays. Choose a location that has well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. Annual mulching with organic material such as compost, arborist chips, or shredded leaves will enrich the soil over time and aid in moisture retention. Fertilize late in the winter as the soil is starting to warm. Apply a granular, balanced fertilizer to the soil and scratch it into the surface lightly. Although Asian bleeding hearts will grow in neutral or slightly alkaline soil, the best flower and foliage colors occur in slightly acidic soil. 

Deadheading can be done to keep Asian bleeding hearts tidy, although it will not encourage longer blooming or reblooming. When the summer temperatures rise, Asian bleeding hearts begin to go dormant by turning yellow and dying back to the ground. Remove and compost the spent growth to make room for summer-blooming perennials and annuals in the garden.

Asian Bleeding Heart Spacing

The full size of bleeding hearts is 30-36 inches tall and wide. Space plants 30 inches apart from the center of each plant. Bleeding Hearts are a great layering plant for a garden with multiple seasons of interest. Underplant bleeding hearts with spring-blooming bulbs, summer-blooming woodland plants, or ground covers, providing at least 12 inches from the base of the plant.