Species bleeding heart
White-Pink, heart-shaped flowers with deeply cut green leaves, on slender green stems

bleeding heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') is an attractive, hardy, perennial flower with a striking appearance. Its stunning blooms have exquisite curling pink and white petals framed with gold-tipped foliage. The delicate blooms hang from arching stems of deep purple foliage, creating an eye-catching effect. Growing in full sun to partial shade, these hardy flowers thrive in moist, well-drained soils and will provide vibrant colour throughout the summer months. Blooming from mid-spring to late summer, Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart' is the perfect addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Rose-pink Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

watering

In general, bleeding heart plants (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') prefer moist but well-drained soil, making regular watering important. The plant should be watered when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry to the touch. Since the Gold Heart variety is a perennial, you can begin watering in the spring as temperatures become warm and soil conditions improve. As the season progresses, deeper and more frequent watering will be required in order to keep the soil from drying out completely and to ensure healthy growth. However, be sure to give the soil enough time to drain between waterings. Depending on weather conditions, this may involve watering every 1 to 2 weeks during periods of prolonged dryness. In the fall as the plants near dormancy, water less often so that the soil can dry out completely before winter sets in.

sunlight

Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') prefers partial to full shade with a few hours of sunlight per day. The ideal amount of sunlight for this plant species is 4-6 hours a day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. As it is sensitive to extreme heat, it’s best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight during the peak hours of the day from 11:00am-2:00pm. Additionally, it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil where the bleeding heart is planted to keep it looking its best.

pruning

Pruning is important for keeping the bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') in good health. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This will encourage bushier, more full growth as the season progresses. To begin pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches or stems, as well as any stems or branches that are competing for space within the plant. Additionally, remove any that are growing in an odd or unattractive direction. Then, take off just 1/3 of the longest branches with clean, sharp garden shears to encourage side branching and to open up the plant's center. This will also help bring in more light and air flow. Bleeding heart plants respond well to pruning, so don't be afraid to prune them back heavily to ensure a compact and healthy fit.

Season

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

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' 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!