How to Grow Bleeding Hearts: A Simple Guide
Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are one of those flowers that look like they’ve jumped straight out of a fairy tale. With their delicate, heart-shaped blooms that dangle from arching stems, they add a touch of magic to any garden. If you’ve ever wanted how to grow Bleeding Hearts but weren’t sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to grow Bleeding Hearts and caring for these beauties.
Getting to Know Bleeding Hearts
Before you plant anything, it helps to understand what you’re working with. Bleeding hearts are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. They thrive in cool, shaded areas, making them perfect for woodland gardens or spots where other flowers might struggle.
Basic Info:
- Scientific Name: Dicentra spectabilis
- Common Name: Bleeding heart
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Sunlight Needs: Partial to full shade
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, slightly moist
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (depends on the variety)
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
1. Choosing the Right Spot
Bleeding hearts don’t like too much sun. If you live somewhere warm, find a shady or partially shaded spot. Under trees or on the north side of a building works well. If you’re in a cooler climate, they can handle some morning sun, but they’ll appreciate afternoon shade.
2. Preparing the Soil
Good soil is the secret to happy plants. Bleeding hearts love soil that’s rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
3. Planting the Roots
You can plant bleeding hearts from seeds, bare roots, or nursery-grown plants. Bare roots are the most common choice. Here’s how to plant them:
- Make a hole roughly twice the size of the root.
- Place the root with the growing tips facing up.
- Cover with soil and water well.
- Space them 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Caring for Bleeding Hearts
1. Watering
Bleeding hearts love moist but not soggy soil. Water once or twice a week, more if you’re in a dry climate. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
2. Mulching
Mulch helps keep moisture in and weeds out. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, but keep it away from the stems to avoid rot.
3. Fertilizing
You don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but a little boost in early spring can help. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers.
4. Pruning & Maintenance
Once the plant stops blooming , the leaves may turn yellow and die back. That’s totally normal. Trim back the dead foliage, and don’t worry—it will come back next spring.
Common Problems & Solutions
Even low-maintenance plants have their challenges. Here are a few common issues:
1. Yellow Leaves
- Cause: Too much sun, poor soil, or natural dieback after blooming.
- Solution: Move the plant to a shadier spot or improve soil moisture.
2. Pests (Aphids, Slugs, Snails)
- Solution: Spray with soapy water for aphids, and use organic slug bait or diatomaceous earth for slugs.
3. Root Rot
- Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Solution: Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Propagating Bleeding Hearts
Want more bleeding hearts? Mature plants can be divided every few years:
- Dig up the plant in early spring or autumn.
- Gently separate the root clumps.
- Replant them in a new spot, following the same planting steps.
They can also self-seed, so if you’re lucky, you might find baby plants popping up on their own .
Growing Bleeding Hearts in Pots
If you’re short on space, bleeding hearts do just fine in containers. Choose a large pot (at least 12 inches wide and deep) with drainage holes. Use rich potting soil, and make sure the pot is in a shaded area. Water regularly, as pots dry out faster than garden soil.
Fun Facts About Bleeding Hearts
- The flowers look like tiny hearts with a “drop” falling from the bottom, giving them their romantic name.
- In some cultures, bleeding hearts symbolize love and compassion.
- They are deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about them getting eaten.
- Hummingbirds love them. If you want to attract hummingbirds, bleeding hearts are a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Growing bleeding hearts isn’t complicated. Give them shade, rich soil, and consistent moisture, and they’ll reward you with beautiful heart-shaped flowers year after year. Whether in a garden bed or a container, these charming plants add a touch of elegance and romance to any space. So, are you ready to grow some bleeding hearts?
References
- Royal Horticultural Society. “Dicentra Spectabilis: Bleeding Heart Care Guide.” RHS Gardening, 2023.
- University of Minnesota Extension. “Growing Perennials in Shade: Best Practices.” 2022.
- American Horticultural Society. “Caring for Classic Cottage Garden Flowers.” 2021.
