#Bleeding hearts how to

Harden off the plant in a protected spot for a few days before moving it to its permanent spot outdoors. Dicentra, also known as bleeding heart, is an easy-to-grow perennial for USDA Zones 3 to 9. Move the bleeding heart plant outdoors once it's rooted well and new growth is more abundant.Once you notice new growth, the plant has successfully rooted.Each puffy bloom has two rose-pink outer petals and two white inner petals. Make sure the soil remains moist but not soggy. The unique 1-2 inch long, delicate-looking pendant flowers are vaguely heart-shaped. A bright windowsill will be too sunny and scorch the plant. If condensation appears on the inside of the bag, poke a hole in the plastic for some ventilation. Put a clear plastic bag around the cutting, not touching the plant. Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spectabilis, folklore, store, entertaining guests, Prince & Princess, Pink Rabbits, Earrings, Perfume Bottle, Ballet Slippers. Water the soil to the point that it's moist but not soggy.Dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone, and put it into the hole. Fill the container with the potting mix, and poke a hole in the center of the soil. Take off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem cutting.Optionally, you can use a rooting hormone for improving rooting success. You'll also need to gather a container, soilless potting mix, and a plastic bag. Use sterilized pruners to take a 3- to 5-inch cutting from a healthy bleeding heart plant.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.Mix in shade-loving perennials that bloom in mid- to late summer to fill the space as bleeding heart goes dormant.Plant shade-loving annuals like begonias or impatiens in the garden space where the bleeding heart grew.Bleeding heart also self-sows prodigiously. Propagate by division in early spring, just before growth starts or by root cuttings in autumn.If transplanting is necessary, do it as soon as the first leaves poke out of the soil in early spring. It will thrive for years without being divided or replanted. Bleeding heart does not like being moved.Leave 1 inch of the stalk to protect the crown during the winter months. When the plant goes dormant, you may cut back the leaves and stems when they begin to yellow and wither away.Deadheading faded flowers can prolong bloom of some varieties.But once established, only water if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. If you plant is new, we would suggest watering weekly during the first season. In spring, apply a thin layer of compost, followed by mulch, to help retain moisture (and deter weeds). Soil rich with organic matter is all the fertilizer this plant needs.Near the house, mix with hostas and lamium for texture. The hearts appear to be dripping (hence its most common name).īlooming in the spring, bleeding heart will grow up to 2 feet high and up to 30 inches wide. It finishes its growing cycle when warm weather sets in. The flowers fade, the leaves die back, and the plant goes dormant in late spring or early summer.īleeding Hearts are woodland plants so they enjoy the partial shade of spring-flowering trees such as dogwoods and serviceberries. Once called the finest hardy plant of the 19th century, bleeding heart soon became as “common as a wallpaper pattern.” Today, this perennial is in favor because it is easy to grow and nothing surpasses its attention-getting form: graceful arching, 3-foot stems adorned with dangling pink, red, or white flower hearts.

#Bleeding hearts how to

Learn when to plant bleeding heart, how to care for it, and other tips in our growing guide. This hardy plant blooms prolifically in early spring and finishes its growing cycle when warm weather sets in.

The old-fashioned “bleeding heart” flower has long been a favorite perennial of the shady flower garden.