Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

Popular Bleeding Heart Varieties

Dicentra spectabilis (Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart): This is one of the most spectacular and popular species, also known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis. It grows in 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall clumps, and can make a substantial specimen with gracefully arching stems studded with lockets of flowers, whose hearts are no doubt bleeding, in shade of pink, white or red. Native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan, it usually blooms for 4-6 weeks in late spring – early summer and tends to decline or even disappear in mid-summer, leaving a large gap in the border. Great for shaded borders or woodland gardens, plant it among other perennials such as hosta, astilbe, pulmonaria or ferns to fill in the space left by its foliage when going dormant.

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ (White Bleeding Heart): This is a white-flowered cultivar of D. spectabilis. It has the same growth habit and requirements as the species but with pure white flowers.

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ (Gold Heart Bleeding Heart): This cultivar of D. spectabilis stands out with its bright yellow-gold foliage, which provides a stunning contrast to the pink and white flowers.

Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart or Wild Bleeding Heart): This species is more compact, about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and wide, displaying finely divided, fern-like, gray-green leaves. From late spring to early fall, D. eximia produces clusters of small, heart-shaped, pink to purplish-pink flowers on leafless, arching stems. Unlike some other species of Bleeding Hearts, D. eximia is more heat-tolerant and less likely to go dormant in the summer, providing an extended season of interest. It thrives in part shade and well-drained soil, and it’s a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies. Great for edging, rock gardens, underplanting shrubs or as a ground cover.

Dicentra formosa (Western Bleeding Heart): This species is a perennial native to the Western United States. This woodland plant grows about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and features finely dissected, fern-like, gray-green foliage. In mid-late spring to early summer, it bears clusters of delicate, heart-shaped, lavender-pink flowers on arching stems. Unlike some other Bleeding Hearts, D. formosa can tolerate drier conditions and is less likely to go dormant in summer. It prefers part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife and woodland gardens. Great for edging, rock gardens, underplanting shrubs or as a ground cover.

Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman’s Breeches): This is a North American native wildflower. It’s a spring ephemeral, reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height, with feathery, gray-green foliage. Its name derives from its unique white flowers, which are shaped like upside-down pantaloons. These flowers bloom in mid to late spring on arching stems above the foliage, creating a charming display. Dutchman’s Breeches prefer moist, well-drained soil and part to full shade, making them excellent choices for woodland gardens. After blooming, the plant often goes dormant until the next spring.

Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn): This is a perennial wildflower native to North America. This delicate plant reaches 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in height and sports attractive, feathery, fern-like leaves. In spring, Dicentra canadensis produces clusters of heart-shaped, white flowers that hang from arching stems, resembling kernels of corn, hence the common name. The plant prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens. After its spring bloom period, the plant often goes dormant, disappearing until the following spring.

Each species of Dicentra has its own unique charm and can make a beautiful addition to any garden. Choose the one that best fits your garden’s conditions and aesthetic.

Why Should I Grow Bleeding Heart Flowers?

Growing Bleeding Heart flowers can add a touch of enchanting beauty and elegance to any garden. Here’s why you should consider growing them:

• Distinctive Blooms: Bleeding Hearts have unique heart-shaped flowers that are certain to draw attention and spark conversation. The flowers come in a range of colors, providing an eye-catching display.
• Shade Tolerance: These plants thrive in part to full shade, making them an excellent choice for those difficult shady spots in your garden where many other plants struggle to grow.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Bleeding Hearts require minimal care.
• Attracts Pollinators: The bright, nectar-rich flowers of Bleeding Heart plants attract bees and other beneficial insects to your garden, promoting biodiversity.
• Spring Interest: Bleeding Hearts are among the earliest perennials to bloom in spring, offering color and life to the garden when many other plants are just beginning to wake up from winter.
• Works Well in Various Gardens: Whether you have a cottage garden, a woodland garden, or a formal garden, Bleeding Heart can fit in beautifully. Its delicate, fern-like foliage provides a soft texture that can complement a variety of garden styles.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Due to their toxicity, Bleeding Hearts are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, a plus for gardens in areas where these animals are common.

Remember, while Bleeding Hearts are beautiful, they are also toxic if ingested, so ensure they are planted in an area away from curious pets or small children. With their unique beauty and easy-care nature, Bleeding Hearts are a valuable addition to any garden.

Garden Design with Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart can be a beautiful addition to your garden, whether used as a focal point, in borders, or mass plantings. Here are some tips for designing your garden with Bleeding Hearts:

Shade Gardens: Bleeding Heart plants thrive in part to full shade, so they are perfect for designing a shade garden. Plant them with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, ferns, and astilbe to create a lush, shaded oasis.

Woodland Gardens: Create a natural, woodland feel by planting Bleeding Hearts with trilliums, ferns, and Solomon’s seal. Their heart-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy to these tranquil garden spaces.

Border Plantings: Bleeding Hearts can add height and texture when planted in borders. Position them in the back of the border if they’re taller varieties, or place them in the middle or front if they’re shorter.

Containers: Smaller varieties of Bleeding Heart can be grown in containers. This way, you can move them around to enjoy their blooms best.

Companion Plants: Bleeding Hearts work well with a variety of other plants. Companions such as columbine and lungwort can extend the flowering season. Ferns and hostas can fill in and provide interest once the Bleeding Hearts go dormant in the heat of summer.

Focal Points: A group of Bleeding Hearts can serve as a focal point in the garden due to their unique arching sprays of heart-shaped flowers. Consider planting them where they can be easily seen from a window or patio.

Wildlife Gardens: Bleeding Hearts can be a part of a wildlife-friendly garden as they attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Companion Plants for Bleeding Heart Flowers

When selecting companion plants for your Bleeding Hearts, it’s good to consider their growing conditions and seasonal changes. Bleeding Hearts enjoy part to full shade and well-drained, rich soil. They bloom in spring and can go dormant in the heat of summer, so having companion plants that can fill in the gaps will provide a consistent display. Here are some great companion plant ideas:

Hostas: With their broad leaves and summer blooming schedule, hostas can fill in the space left by dormant Bleeding Hearts. They also thrive in similar growing conditions.

Ferns: Ferns provide texture contrast with their feathery fronds and can fill in the area with lush greenery when Bleeding Hearts go dormant.

Astilbes: Astilbes bloom in late spring to early summer, right when Bleeding Hearts are finishing up. Their feathery, colorful plumes and fern-like foliage pair well with the delicate beauty of Bleeding Hearts.

Heuchera (Coral Bells): With their colorful, evergreen leaves and delicate summer flowers, Heuchera can provide year-round interest and complement the appearance of Bleeding Hearts.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria): Lungwort’s silver-spotted leaves can provide beautiful contrast to the ferny foliage of Bleeding Hearts. Both plants are early spring bloomers, so they can put on a show together.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum): Solomon’s Seal’s graceful, arching stems with dangling, bell-like flowers can mimic the arching shape of Bleeding Heart flowers. They can also add height and fill in the space when Bleeding Hearts go dormant.

Columbines (Aquilegia): Columbines have similar cultural needs and can extend the blooming season with their unique, late spring flowers.

Tiarella (Foamflower): The delicate, foam-like flowers of Tiarella can add a different texture and the plant’s semi-evergreen leaves can provide winter interest.

Remember, when choosing companion plants, consider their bloom time, foliage texture, color, and cultural requirements to create a cohesive and beautiful garden design.

Growing Tips

Growing Dicentra can be a rewarding experience thanks to their unique heart-shaped blooms and fern-like foliage. Here are some steps to successfully grow them:

Location: Choose a location that receives part to full shade. Too much sun can cause the plants to wither and go dormant prematurely. Too much shade will result in few flowers.

Soil: Dicentra prefers rich, well-drained soil. It likes moisture, but the ground shouldn’t be waterlogged. If your soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, consider improving it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Planting: Plant Dicentra in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in around the root ball with soil, firming it gently as you go.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth. This is especially helpful during hot, dry summers.

Fertilizing: Feed your Bleeding Hearts in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Pruning: After the plant has finished blooming, the foliage may start to yellow and die back. This is normal, as Dicentra is a spring ephemeral and often goes dormant in summer. Cut back the foliage when it becomes unsightly.

Division: Bleeding Hearts generally do not need to be divided for the health of the plant, but if you wish to propagate them or control their spread, you can divide them in the fall or early spring.

Remember, all parts of the Dicentra plant are toxic if ingested, so take care if you have pets or young children who might be tempted to taste them. Otherwise, these unique and charming plants are a great low-maintenance option for adding color and interest to shaded areas of your garden.