Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart

Discover the timeless charm of Dicentra spectabilis, a classic perennial that remains an irreplaceable favourite in gardens. Old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts form large, bushy clumps of powdery-green foliage comprised of cut or lobed leaves on fleshy stems. In late spring, elegant chains of puffy heart-shaped flowers with rose-pink petals and white tips dangle gracefully beneath the arching, leafless stems. These racemes make delightful additions to fresh bouquets, lasting about 2 weeks in a vase. In cooler climates with adequate moisture, the bloom time may be extended into early summer.

Characteristics

• Foliage : The foliage of Dicentra spectabilis is a powdery-green, forming large, bushy clumps. The leaves are cut or lobed and are borne on fleshy stems.
• Bloom : In late spring, the plant produces racemes of dangling heart-shaped flowers. The petals are rose-pink with white tips, creating a charming contrast.
• Light : Prefers part shade (4-6 hours of direct sun) to full shade (less than 4 hours of direct sun).
• Habit : Its habit is that of a bushy clump.
• Growth : Its growth rate is rapid.
• Humidity : Requires average to consistent moisture.
• Soil : Thrives in average to fertile soil quality, with acidic (pH < 7.0), neutral (pH = 7.0), or alkaline (pH > 7.0) soil chemistry.
• Temperature : Very hardy, tolerating hardiness zones 3 through 9, which includes the Canadian climate.
• Watering : Requires average to consistent watering. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in the spring during blooming.

Uses

• Types of Use : Ideal for borders, flower beds, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or woodland shade gardens. Also suitable for growing in containers on patios and produces excellent cut flowers for bouquets.
• Decorative Advantages : Its unique heart-shaped flowers and attractive foliage make it a charming focal point in the spring garden. It attracts hummingbirds and is bee-friendly.

Care

• Fertilization : A light fertilization in the spring can promote healthy growth. Use a balanced perennial fertilizer.
• Pruning : After the spectacular bloom, Old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts usually go dormant until the following spring. The foliage may turn yellow and disappear. You can cut back faded foliage for aesthetic reasons.
• Planting :
  • Distance : Space plants 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) apart to allow for good air circulation and optimal growth.
  • Depth : Plant the crown (the part where the stems meet the roots) just at the soil surface level.
  • Period : Fall or early spring are the best times for planting.

Also known as Mary's Heart or Jeannette's Heart. (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)