Bleeding Heart Plants

In addition to the bleeding heart plants most commonly seen in gardens ...

In addition to the bleeding heart plants most commonly seen in gardens (namely, Dicentra spectabilis), there are Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) and the fringed bleeding heart. All three are shade plants and cold-hardy to zone 3. The white flowers of Dutchman's breeches are shaped just as the common name suggests. These perennials reach 6 to 12 inches tall with a similar spread.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

When to plant:

In the fall, harvested seeds can be planted immediately. They’ll germinate in the spring after a needed chilling period over winter. Plants can also be divided and transplanted either in the spring when they begin to grow or in the fall after the foliage dies back.

Where to plant:

In warmer southern zones, bleeding heart plants should be planted in a shady, cool location. Farther north, they can be located in an area where they will get partial or even full sun if the weather is cool enough. Although they like damp soil, they shouldn’t be planted in an area that can get waterlogged.

How to plant:

Work compost into the soil before planting to provide the humus-rich base that bleeding hearts need. Plant seeds one-half inch deep and keep the soil moist until the first frost. Bleeding hearts will readily self-sow if seed pods are left on the plant and allowed to open.

If transplanting bleeding hearts from purchased bare root stock or divided plants, place them with the roots fanned out and pointing down. The ‘eyes’ (where they will sprout new foliage) should be about an inch below the soil level. If planted too deeply, they may rot or not flower. To allow for their mature size, space them 2 to 2.5 feet apart. Water well so the soil will settle in around the roots.

Helpful Hint:

Place markers where your bleeding hearts are planted. Since they die back to ground level and leave no trace once cut back, you’ll want to know where they are so you don’t disturb them when planting summer annuals or fall bulbs.

PLANT CARE TIPS

Pruning:

Lamprocapnos spectabilis varieties will die back in the heat of summer, but they’ll be back next spring. Once the foliage has turned yellow and wilted, the plant can be cut back to the ground. It’s important to wait, because up until that time the leaves are busy collecting and storing food and energy for next year. Flower stalks can be deadheaded after blooming to keep your plant looking clean.

Soil:

Bleeding heart plants require moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that is neutral or slightly alkaline.

Amendments & Fertilizer:

Add a time-release fertilizer in the surrounding soil when new growth appears in spring. Additional compost can be added in as well.

Watering:

From spring until winter, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Bleeding hearts won’t tolerate wet soil over winter or dry soil in summer.

Propagation:

Bleeding heart plants can form large clumps of roots and should be divided about every two to three years. This can be done in the spring just as they begin to grow again or in the early fall when the foliage is cut back. Dig them up carefully and divide with a sharp shovel or garden knife. Replant sections around your own garden or share with friends.

If you want to harvest the bleeding heart seeds, the seed heads must be left on the plant to dry. They are ready when the seed heads turn brown and the seeds inside are black. The seeds can be planted immediately and will germinate in spring. They can also be saved to be planted the following spring. Place them in a bag with some moist soil and freeze for 6 weeks so they get the chilling period they need, then store in a cool location until spring planting.

Diseases and Pests:

There are no serious disease or pest problems, although they can be susceptible to aphids. Protect new growth from snails and slugs. Diseases such as downy mildew, Verticillium wilt, rust and fungal leaf spot may occur as well.