Species bleeding heart
pink flowers with white center, maroon-white stigma and maroon-brown stems

bleeding heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE, also known as the bleeding heart, is an ornamental border plant with vibrant, heart-shaped pink flowers. It features long, arched stems with clusters of frilled, bright pink heart-shaped blooms. The unusual foliage is finely divided and ferny in appearance, complementing the flowers perfectly. This charming bleeding heart brings life and beauty to gardens and containers in early summer. It's a perfect choice for shady borders that need a pop of color.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Wine red/white Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Fertilizing and Watering Schedule for Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE): Fertilizing: Bleeding hearts will benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer a couple of times throughout the growing season. Watering: Bleeding hearts like to be watered fairly regularly throughout the growing season, but the amount of water needed will depend on the weather. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. During cooler temperatures or periods of heavy rainfall, watering can be reduced. In general, water the plants deeply once a week and check the soil for moisture before watering. Do not let the soil become completely dried out.

sunlight

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE) needs indirect sunlight to thrive and a spot that gets several hours of bright, indirect light is best. The plant can handle short periods of direct sun but should not be placed in an area that gets full sun for an extended period of time. Bleeding heart prefers a spot with shade from the sun in the afternoon, when the afternoon sun is at its strongest. Additionally, the plant can tolerate moderate light conditions with a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of bright sunlight each day.

pruning

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE) should be pruned in early spring, after the last frost. Pruning should be done lightly, with only 1/3 of the plant's stems and foliage removed. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased stems or foliage first. Remove any stems that are crossing over or crowding other ones. Prune off flowers that have gone by to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Lastly, shortening the remaining stems will help to improve the overall shape of the plant. After pruning, add a general purpose fertilizer around the base of the plant to promote healthy growth.

Season

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

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Hordival' VALENTINE, also known as bleeding 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!