Species bleeding heart
red-pink flowers with brown stems and green foliage

bleeding heart

Dicentra 'Red Fountain'

Dicentra 'Red Fountain' is an amazing plant species. With its arching stems and bright red-pink heart shaped flowers, it’s a sight to behold. The blooms appear in late spring and continue through the summer attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Its lush foliage is made up of dainty, finely divided green leaves that provide an elegant backdrop to the colorful flowers. It performs best in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade where the soil remains evenly moist. This hardy plant performs best in cooler climates and can even tolerate some drought conditions. A true show-stopper, Dicentra 'Red Fountain' never fails to add an eye-catching touch to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Red Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Red Fountain') should be watered when soil is dry to the touch, about 2 inches down. The amount of water will vary depending on the environment, but a good general guideline is to aim for 1 inch of water per week. If temperatures are warm, you may need to up this amount slightly. Water deeply, as this will encourage the plant’s roots to grow deep into the soil. Let the liquid soak in and then water again – this ensures the soil becomes properly saturated. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot or stem and leaf fungus.

sunlight

Bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Red Fountain') requires 6-8 hours of full sun per day, from mid-morning until mid-afternoon, during the growing season. The plant benefits from partial afternoon shade in areas of extremely hot summers. Too much sun and heat can cause the leaves to yellow and weaken the stems. In cooler climates, with less intense sun, it can tolerate full sun all day. During periods of extreme heat and excessive sunlight, some light shade may help protect the delicate foliage.

pruning

Bleeding heart (Dicentra 'Red Fountain') should be pruned after flowering has finished, usually in late spring or early summer. Remove any faded blooms as they appear and cut the stems of flowering plants back to ground level. It is important not to cut off too much green growth as this will reduce flowering in the following season. Prune severely only if the plant begins to look overgrown and unkempt.

Season

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

Dicentra 'Red Fountain' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in 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!