Species bleeding heart
pink flowers with pink buds, lime leaves and pink-brown stems

bleeding heart

Dicentra 'Luxuriant'

The bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') is an amazing plant species for many reasons. It is a hardy flowering plant that is incredibly beautiful. The drooping stems are lined with heart-shaped, dull pink and white blooms which create a stunning display, especially when planted en masse in garden borders. Its low growing habit and mounding form make it perfect for edging a garden as well as adding texture to any landscape. It absorbs moisture all day and stores it in its lacy foliage to help survive hot summer months. It is renowned for its long blooming season which starts in late spring and lasts until first frost for a continuous source of beauty.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Cherry red Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') should be watered whenever the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Depending on the temperature, humidity and light exposure, this can range from as little as once a week to every day during warm, sunny weather. During the summer, ensure that the plant is watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth and drought-tolerance. During the cold winter months, water only enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.

sunlight

Bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') requires a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. It can tolerate more sunlight, but it can become prone to sunburn and leaf scorch if it is exposed too long to direct light, especially in regions with hotter climates. In these areas, the plant should be provided with partial shade which will protect it from the warmer temperatures while still getting a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun. Additionally, to prevent wilting and drying of the foliage, afternoon shade is beneficial, especially when humidity levels are low.

pruning

The best time to prune a bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') is in late spring after it has finished blooming. Depending on how established your plant is, you may want to lightly prune your plant every spring. If you only prune once a year, wait until the end of June or early July to prune the plant. Start by cutting off any dead blooms and dead stems, as well as faded, yellow, and brown foliage. This will help the plant receive maximum light and energy. You may also want to lightly trim back longer stems and any growth that is over 1 foot above the soil (this will depend on how tall you want the plant to be). When trimming, you may cut back to 1 to 2 buds from the previous year's growth to encourage a bushy habit. Be careful not to over prune. Finally, if the plant is too large or outgrowing its allotted space, you may shape it by selectively pruning back the stems and canes. This pruning should be done sparingly and not regularly as it can stress the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dicentra 'Luxuriant' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

How long does a bleeding heart plant live?

The Bleeding Heart plant is an attractive perennial flowering species with long-lasting displays of attractive flowers. It typically lives for between 2 and 5 years, but may live longer if given the right soil, sunlight, and water conditions. This is considered to be a relatively short lifespan in comparison to some other plants, but this can change depending on the individual plant and its environment.

Could bleeding heart grow in a hanging basket?

Yes, bleeding heart can grow in a hanging basket. The plant is a perennial and has graceful arching stems full of dangling blooms. It has small, heart shaped pink or white flowers that put on a show of color against the light green foliage and stems. When planting in a hanging basket, ensure the basket is large enough to provide the necessary root space and ample drainage. Only use a lightweight soil and make sure that it doesn't stay too wet.Bleeding heart is a beautiful choice for hanging baskets and requires very little maintenance.

Do bleeding heart flowers bloom all summer?

No, bleeding heart flowers typically do not bloom all summer. They tend to flower in late spring and then again in late summer or early fall, providing two distinct periods of blooming throughout the season. The flowers go into dormancy in the warmer months when temperatures are too high for them to flourish. During this resting phase, the plant will enter a period of dormancy where foliage will die back and the plant's energy reserves will be renewed.

Are bleeding heart flowers fragrant?

Bleeding Heart flowers are a popular garden variety native to North America and Europe, and although they are most noted for their unique heart-shaped flowers, they are not particularly known for their fragrance. These flowers produce a light, but barely noticeable fruity scent that is mostly lost on the human nose. If you are searching for fragrant flowers, consider buds with a stronger scent such as roses, lilac, and lilies.

Is bleeding heart a good plant for a cutting garden?

Yes, the Bleeding Heart plant is an excellent addition to a cutting garden. It produces tooth-shaped pink and white flowers that hang from a thin stem, making them perfect for cutting. The plant is also long-lasting in the garden and it can produce new blooms for up to four months during the warmer months. It grows easily in partial or full shade and requires little maintenance. Additionally, it can also be used to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

Should I mulch around my bleeding heart plant?

Yes, it's a good idea to mulch around your bleeding heart plant. Mulch helps preserve soil moisture and keeps weeds away. It also helps to control soil temperature and improve soil structure, which can help your plant stay healthy and thrive. Be sure to use an organic mulch, such as bark chips or shredded leaves, and keep it a few inches away from the stems and foliage of the plant. You can also spread it in a circular pattern around the plant for a decorative look.

Could a bleeding heart grow in a greenhouse?

Yes, a bleeding heart can grow in a greenhouse. It is a perennial flowering plant that thrives in partial to full shade and average to moist soil conditions. Maintaining a stable temperature between 50-60F and adequate humidity can be a challenge in a greenhouse, but it can easily be achieved with proper ventilation and insulation. The potting mix should be well drained, yet holds moisture well so that the plant can get the necessary nutrients. A weekly dose of balanced fertilizer is recommended to keep the plant healthy and flowering throughout the season.

How many blooms can a bleeding heart plant produce in a season?

A bleeding heart plant can produce a plentiful amount of beautiful blooms throughout its bloom season, which typically runs from early spring to late summer in most areas. The number of blooms per plant can vary greatly, ranging from only a few to a massive amount, depending on the care and attention the plant receives. With the right conditions and adequate care, a single bleeding heart plant can produce over 50 blooms in a single season!