Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Bleeding Heart
Uses:
- Shaded Borders
- Woodland & Wildflower Gardens
- Container Gardens
Features:
- Low Maintenance
- Deer & Rabbit Resistant
- Charming Heart-Shaped Flowers
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Under 4 Hours of Direct Sun
- North Or East Side of Homes
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Bleeding Heart is a perennial shade plant with charming heart-shaped blooms appearing in spring. Its deeply cut foliage pairs well with other shade lovers like hostas and hardy geraniums. The stems reach approximately 1-3 feet high and form loose mounds that spread over time.
About Bleeding Heart
Genus
Species
Family
Lamprocapnos, Dicentra
Lamprocapnos spectabilis, Dicentra formosa, Dicentra cucullaria, Dicentra eximia
Papaveraceae
Common Names:
Lady in the Bath, Lyre Flower, Heart Flower, Lyre Flower, Our-Lady-in-a-Boat, and Tearing Hearts
Native To:
China, Korea, Japan, and Siberia
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Deciduous, Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to Early Summer
Growth Habit:
Clumping
Attracts:
Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths and hoverflies
Tolerates:
Humidity, Heat
Resists:
Voles, Pests
How To Use Bleeding Heart In The Garden
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis and Dicentra spp.) is a perennial shade plant known for its charming heart-shaped blooms that appear in spring. The plant's deeply cut foliage complements other shade-loving plants like hostas and hardy geraniums. Stems reach approximately 1 to 3 feet in height, forming loose mounds that gradually spread over time.
Bleeding Heart serves as an excellent companion to various shade-tolerant perennials. Combining it with spring bloomers such as daffodils creates a fantastic early-season display. Additionally, pairing it with ferns, hostas, and astilbes helps minimize the appearance of bare spots once the Bleeding Heart enters dormancy in the summer.
Bleeding Heart Care
Plant Bleeding Heart in locations receiving morning sun; deep shade may inhibit blooming. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Maintain consistently moist conditions, especially during the first year to establish deep roots. If soil quality is low, use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and incorporate compost annually.
Remove spent blooms to tidy the plant. As summer heat arrives, foliage naturally yellows and dies back; allow this process to store energy for the next growth cycle, then cut back to the ground. In cold regions, a thick mulch layer protects roots from temperature extremes. For potted plants, overwinter in an unheated garage or basement to shield roots from prolonged freezing.
Learn More About Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart Companion Plants
Woodland-style beds that offer dappled light, humus-rich soil, and steady moisture without winter waterlogging suit bleeding hearts. Rhododendron gives an evergreen backdrop and shares a preference for the same acidic, well-drained loam, while spring-blooming weigela echoes the pink tones of Dicentra and keeps color running after the hearts have faded. Astilbe quickly fills the gap with midsummer plumes that like identical soil moisture, and arching ferns spread a cool, lacey carpet that hides dormant stems and preserves the shaded microclimate both plants prefer.
