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Old Fashioned Bleeding Hearts

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis)

About:

Bleeding Hearts are a very cold-hardy plant native to China. They produce graceful stems, hung with deep pink and white heart-shaped flowers.

Planting:

Plant the crown, the place where the shoots and the roots meet, level with the soil surface, and 12-24” apart. Although Bleeding Hearts can tolerate heavy soils, they do best in rich, well-drained soil. In colder areas, they can tolerate full sun, as long as there is plenty of moisture. In warmer areas, protect the plants from strong afternoon sun. Plants usually go dormant in summer and the foliage dies back, especially in hot climates. Plant them among other garden plants to camouflage the fading foliage. Plants may return in the autumn in cooler areas; if not, they will return the following spring.

Maintenance:

After flowering, plants may be cut back to 6” tall to rejuvenate the foliage, or left alone to die back on their own.

Over-wintering:

Add a layer of organic mulch in colder areas.