Bleeding heart plants, also known as Dicentra spectabilis, are a type of perennial flowering plant native to Siberia and parts of China. They are characterized by their heart-shaped pink and white flowers, which hang in clusters from arching stems. The foliage is composed of deeply divided, bluish-green leaves. Bleeding heart plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, and they prefer cooler climates. They are a popular choice for gardens and can be used in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
Planning Your Garden With Bleeding Hearts
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Bleeding hearts are perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for bleeding hearts is 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Bleeding hearts are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, meaning they can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | Bleeding hearts typically take between 60 and 90 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown bleeding heart plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Bleeding hearts prefer a well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to give them enough room to grow. |
| Sun tolerance | Bleeding hearts prefer partial shade to full shade, but can tolerate some direct sun in the morning. They should be protected from the hot afternoon sun. |
| Shade tolerance | Bleeding hearts are fairly shade tolerant and can thrive in partial to full shade. However, they will produce more flowers in areas with more sunlight. |
| Water requirements | Bleeding hearts prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. They should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They should not be allowed to dry out completely. During hot or dry weather, they may need to be watered more frequently. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, water requirements can be reduced. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing bleeding hearts depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing bleeding hearts is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Bleeding Hearts are Popular
People like to grow bleeding hearts because of their attractive foliage and unique flower shape. The flowers of bleeding hearts are delicate and drooping, resembling a heart with a single drop of blood. They are also easy to care for and come in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
Companion Plants For Bleeding Hearts
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for bleeding hearts include:
Common Pests For Bleeding Hearts
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow bleeding hearts, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
