Species bleeding heart
Pink flowers with white center and maroon stems

bleeding heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a beautiful and unique perennial flower with a graceful arching habit and arching stems that produce heart-shaped, pink flowers. It blooms in late spring to early summer. The foliage has a delicate appearance with soft, finely divided light green leaflets. Its flowers are a striking contrast to the bright green leaves. This plant prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils, and will happily grow in part-shade or full-sun. It can tolerate winter and is suitable for borders, containers or as a cut flower. Bleeding Heart is a great addition to any garden for its beauty and whimsical nature.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White/pink Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

watering

Bleeding heart plants should be watered when the top 2 inches of soil is dry to the touch. Aim for soil that is evenly moist, but not soggy. During the plant's active growing season (spring and summer), it is recommended to water the plant about once a week. During the fall and winter months, reduce watering to about once every 2 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other disorders, inhibit growth, and cause the foliage and flowers to wilt and die prematurely.

sunlight

The amount and timing of sunlight required for a bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) plant will vary depending on the geographical region in which it is planted. In general, the bleeding heart does best in part shade to full shade – the bright light of the sun coupled with the heat of the summer can be too intense for this particular plant species. During the summer months, it should be planted in an area that receives the dappled shade of afternoon sun, and the plant should be protected from the direct rays of the sun during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 10am and 4pm. In colder climates, some morning sunlight is beneficial, and it is important to note that more sun exposure will be required the further north the plant is situated. During the winter months, when the temperatures and the amount of sunlight are lower, the plant will have a better chance of survival when given a few hours of early morning or late afternoon sun. In summary, the bleeding heart does best when given partial shade and protection from the heat of the afternoon sun during the summer months and a few hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight during the winter months.

pruning

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) benefits from pruning in late winter or early spring after the foliage has begun to appear. Prune off any dead or diseased material, and then lightly prune the stems back to within 2 or 3 nodes of the root crown to promote a fuller, bushier growth habit. Cut off faded or spent blooms once it finishes flowering in early summer. This will help to keep the plant looking tidy and attractive, and it will also help to promote new flowers in the following season.

Season

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

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 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!