The Different Types of Bleeding Heart Plant

Bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.) is a beautiful flowering plant known for its heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. This plant belongs to the Fumariaceae family and is native to Asia and North America. There are different types of bleeding heart plants, each with unique characteristics that make them desirable for various garden settings.

Types of Bleeding Heart Plant

1. Common Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

The common bleeding heart, also known as the old-fashioned bleeding heart or the Asian bleeding heart, is the most popular variety. It has pink or white heart-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This plant grows up to 3 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It prefers partial to full shade and moist soil.

2. Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)

The fringed bleeding heart is a native plant in eastern North America. It has pink or white flowers with fringed edges that bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 1 foot wide. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

3. Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

Dutchman’s breeches is a small native plant with white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring. The flowers resemble a pair of pantaloons hanging upside down on a clothesline, hence its name. This plant grows up to 12 inches tall and prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis)

Squirrel corn is another North American native plant that blooms in early spring. It has white or pink flowers that resemble hearts with small lobes at the bottom, like the kernels on a corn cob. This plant grows up to 10 inches tall and prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

5. Bleeding Heart Fern (Dicentra cucullaria)

Bleeding heart fern, also known as fern-leaf bleeding heart, is a delicate-looking fern with lacy foliage resembling a bleeding heart flower. This plant grows up to 12 inches tall and prefers partial shade and moist soil.

How to Grow Bleeding Heart Plant

Bleeding hearts are easy to grow, but they have specific growing requirements that need attention to ensure their optimal growth and health.

Soil

Bleeding hearts prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.

Light

Most bleeding hearts thrive in partial shade or filtered sunlight, but some species can handle full sun exposure if planted in cool areas with moist soil.

Watering

Bleeding hearts require regular watering to maintain moisture in the soil. Water deeply once or twice a week during dry periods.

Fertilizer

To enhance growth, apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of your bleeding hearts plant to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

FAQs

Q: Are bleeding hearts poisonous?

A: Yes, all parts of the bleeding heart plant are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.

Q: How do I propagate my bleeding heart?

A: Bleeding hearts can be propagated by division or from seed in the fall or early spring.

Q: Can I grow my bleeding heart in a container?

A: Yes, you can grow your bleeding heart in a container as long as you provide adequate drainage and maintain moisture in the soil.

Q: Why are my bleeding heart leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves on your bleeding heart could indicate overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation.

Q: When should I prune my bleeding heart?

A: Prune your bleeding heart after it finishes blooming in late spring or early summer to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

In conclusion, there are different types of bleeding heart plants that you can choose from depending on your garden preferences. By providing optimum growing conditions such as light, water, soil quality, and fertilization, your bleeding hearts will thrive and reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.