Bleeding Heart
dicentra spectabilis
Also known as: ["Lamprocapnos spectabilis","Old-fashioned bleeding heart"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial with arching stems of heart-shaped flowers in spring, native to eastern Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Dicentra |
| Botanical Name: | Dicentra spectabilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in fall to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light; avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to sunlight changes; protect from harsh midday sun; in containers, move to shaded areas during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide dappled shade in summer; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage to prevent rot; enrich soil with organic matter annually; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent moisture in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leafy growth at the expense of flowers; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Division in early spring or fall; stem cuttings can also be taken in early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with at least one bud.
- For cuttings, take 4–6 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Shaded, humid environment with consistent moisture; protect from direct sun and strong winds.
Medium
Rich, well-drained soil with added compost; for cuttings, use a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Optional for division; recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or trays.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy or damaged stems; divide clumps every few years.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation; cut back foliage in fall after dieback.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or diseased stems; deadhead after flowering; thin crowded growth; clean tools after use.
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, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; Dicentra spectabilis prefers being slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; trim dead roots; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain freely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry conditions; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or crown rot in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause crown and root damage, especially in poorly drained soil; may lead to winterkill in harsh conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; plant in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may go dormant if conditions are too hot.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water before and after; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Dicentra spectabilis. The alkaloids present can cause discomfort, though severe poisoning is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dicentra spectabilis can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. While not highly toxic, ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDicentra spectabilis contains isoquinoline alkaloids, primarily dihydrocorydaline, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects if ingested in significant quantities. The plant's toxicity is generally low for humans, but caution is advised.
⚠️ 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 natural senescence as the plant goes dormant in summer.
Q: Is Bleeding Heart toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset.
Q: Does Bleeding Heart need full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent wilting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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