Wild Bleeding Heart

Wild Bleeding Heart, botanically known as Dicentra eximia, is an American Beauties Native perennial that is found on forest floors, wooded slopes, and rocky woods in the Appalachian Mountains. It features attractive, blueish-green, fern-like foliage that provides a lovely texture. Arches of deep pink-red, heart-shaped flowers appear in April to July with a possible fall bloom depending on your climate. 

The uniquely shaped, delicate flowers provide valuable nectar for migrating hummingbirds and native bumblebees, particularly when few other flowers are in bloom. Wild Bleeding Heart grows in Hardiness Zones 3-8; it prefers lower temperatures and flowers profusely in cooler summers. When grown in favorable conditions, it reaches heights of 18 inches with a spread of 18-24 inches. Wild Bleeding Heart will slowly colonize by rhizomes over time and is not palatable to deer and rabbits. 

Wild Bleeding Heart Care

This perennial thrives when planted in partial to full shade areas. It prefers moist, well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soils amended with plenty of organic matter. Wild Bleeding Heart will tolerate dappled sunlight as long as the soil remains moist. It will not tolerate soggy winter soil or excessive periods of drought. 

Wild Bleeding Heart is a carefree plant and doesn’t require much maintenance. The deeply cut foliage remains fresh until close to dormancy. You can trim back any brown foliage that may occur in the heat of summer. Be mindful that all parts of Dicentras have isoquinoline alkaloids that can cause skin irritation after repeated contact and are toxic if consumed in large quantities. 

Wild Bleeding Heart Spacing

Wild Bleeding Heart is an excellent choice for rock, pollinator, and native perennial shade gardens, walkways and wooded areas. Space each plant at least 18 inches apart to accommodate its mature width.