Bleeding Heart
lamprocapnos spectabilis
Also known as: ["Dicentra spectabilis","Old-fashioned bleeding heart"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial with distinctive heart-shaped flowers hanging from arching stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Lamprocapnos |
| Botanical Name: | Lamprocapnos spectabilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade garden bed or container with protection from intense afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; occasional tidying of dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing spent flowers and damaged growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or under trees.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; morning light is best; keep in shaded spots during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; prefers 60–70°F (15–21°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize sparingly; stop in late summer to prepare for dormancy; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Plant cuttings horizontally just below the soil surface.
- Keep moist and shaded.
Best Time: Early spring as new growth emerges or early fall before dormancy.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity and consistent moisture.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: 4–6 weeks for roots, 1–2 years for mature plants.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, garden shears, trowel, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stalks at the base; trim damaged leaves as needed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and tidy appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers, trim damaged leaves, clean tools, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, provide shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Stems and leaves may become brittle; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during active growth, stop before dormancy, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to isoquinoline alkaloids found in Lamprocapnos spectabilis. Ingestion of roots or seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lamprocapnos spectabilis roots and seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, mild neurological symptoms due to isoquinoline alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLamprocapnos spectabilis contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects if ingested in significant quantities. The roots and seeds are the most toxic parts due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are my Bleeding Heart leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Q: Does Bleeding Heart need full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent wilting.
Q: Is Bleeding Heart toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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