Product Description
Dicentra spectabilis (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart
A classic charmer! One of the oldest but still irreplaceable perennials in cultivation. Old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts form large, bushy clumps of powdery-green foliage comprised of cut or lobed leaves on fleshy stems. In late spring, chains of puffy heart-shaped flowers with rose-pink petals and white tips dangle 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.
After putting on this fantastic display, Old-Fashioned Bleeding Hearts usually go dormant until the following spring. However, if plants are kept well-watered during the spring, dormancy may be delayed until late summer or early fall. Other bushy perennials, such as Hosta, Geranium, or Sedge, should be planted nearby to fill in the resulting gaps.
Dicentra is most at home in woodland settings. It likes rich, loose soil that is evenly moist but also well-drained. At planting time, add lots of compost, humus, or peat moss to the soil to enhance its water retention capabilities. Plants will not grow well in heavy clay soils.
Dicentra should be planted in locations that are protected from high winds and early frosts, such as the edges of woodlands or on the north or east sides of buildings. It may be propagated by division in either spring or fall, taking great care to keep the fleshy roots intact when transplanting. If spent flowers are not removed, small pods develop and drop their seeds when mature and dry. If these seeds are left undisturbed, they will germinate the following spring. The resulting plantlets are easy to transplant while they are still small but they may not resemble the parent plant exactly.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Zones 3 to 9;
Part shade to full shade.
Mature size 30-to-36-inch height, spreads 30 to 36 inches.
Flower Color: Pink Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Specimen, Focal Point
Dicentra spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart , is a classic cottage garden favorite. This elegant perennial is admired for its unique heart-shaped flowers that dangle from gracefully arching stems . The delicate pink and white blooms, resembling bleeding hearts, appear in late spring to early summer . The foliage is equally attractive, with soft green, deeply divided leaves that add a fern-like texture to the garden.
Growth Habits Dicentra spectabilis typically grows to be 2-3 feet tall and wide, forming a bushy clump . It thrives in partial shade and prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil . While it can tolerate full shade, flowering may be reduced . In cooler climates, it can even be grown in full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
- Attractive Flowers: The unique heart-shaped flowers are a major draw, adding a touch of whimsy to the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: This makes it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
- Easy to Grow: Dicentra spectabilis is relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Long-lived: It is a long-lived perennial that can provide years of enjoyment in the garden.
Landscape Uses Dicentra spectabilis is a versatile plant with various uses in the landscape:
- Shaded Borders: It thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for brightening up shady areas of the garden.
- Woodland Gardens: Its delicate flowers and foliage blend beautifully with other woodland plants.
- Cottage Gardens: It is a classic cottage garden plant that adds a touch of romance and charm.
- Cut Flowers: The arching stems with dangling flowers make excellent cut flower arrangements.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
