What’s a Garden Map?
Ready-made flower bed designs, printed on a high-quality landscaping fabric for a hassle-free DIY experience.
Products coming soon!
Shop Flower Gardens
Family: Bleeding Heart
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart
Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Bleeding Heart’, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a captivating and elegant perennial. It is renowned for its distinctive heart-shaped pink and white flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems.
This plant adds a touch of romance and whimsy to any garden setting. Bleeding Heart is particularly cherished for its early spring blooms, which are among the first signs of life in a waking garden.
Thriving in partial to full shade, Bleeding Heart is hardy in zones 3-9. It prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, making it a great choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Hardiness Zone: 3a-9b
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 3
Average Spread (feet): 3
Average Life Span (years): 15
Form: Mounded
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Shape: Heart
Bloom Season: From late spring to early summer
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Ferny
Incorporating Bleeding Heart into your landscape brings a delicate beauty and a sense of enchantment. Its unique flowers and fern-like foliage provide a soft texture and a burst of spring color.
This perennial is ideal for shaded garden areas, under trees, or along north-facing walls. It’s also perfect for creating layered plantings in cottage-style gardens.
Despite its delicate appearance, Bleeding Heart is a hardy and low-maintenance plant. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners who want a spectacular spring display with minimal effort.
In a woodland garden, Bleeding Heart thrives in the dappled shade. Its natural habitat makes it a perfect fit for this garden style.
For cottage gardens, this plant's charming flowers and informal growth habit blend seamlessly with the relaxed, densely planted style.
In shade gardens, Bleeding Heart illuminates darker areas. Its preference for less sunlight makes it an ideal choice for understory planting.
Plant it along shaded walkways for a romantic touch. Its beautiful blooms create a dreamy pathway experience.
Use it as an underplanting for deciduous trees. It takes advantage of the early spring light before the trees leaf out.
Pair it with other shade-loving perennials. Hostas and ferns make great companions, offering contrasting foliage and textures.
In spring, Bleeding Heart bursts into bloom with its heart-shaped flowers, offering a spectacular display in the shade garden.
During summer, the plant may go dormant, especially in hotter climates. Its foliage begins to yellow and fade after flowering.
In the fall, Bleeding Heart is generally dormant, with little to no presence above ground.
In winter, the plant remains dormant. This period of rest prepares it for the next cycle of spring blooms.
Bleeding Heart thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded garden areas, under trees, or along north-facing walls. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to dimmer parts of the garden.
This plant prefers partial to full shade. Too much sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, so it's best suited for areas that receive filtered light or only morning sun.
Bleeding Heart loves moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It does well in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Space Bleeding Heart plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure adequate air circulation around the plants.
The best time to plant Bleeding Heart is in the spring or early fall, allowing the roots to establish before extreme weather conditions.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Gently place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bleeding Heart does not tolerate drought well.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning is generally not necessary, but you can remove spent flower stems after blooming to tidy up the plant.
In spring, mulch around the base to retain moisture and remove any dead foliage from the previous season.
If the plant goes dormant in summer, reduce watering but keep the soil lightly moist.
In fall, as the plant dies back, you can cut the foliage to the ground after it yellows.
Bleeding Heart is dormant in winter. Apply a light layer of mulch for winter protection, especially in colder climates.
Bleeding Heart typically blooms in late spring to early summer, with the flowering period lasting several weeks.
Yes, Bleeding Heart is toxic if ingested, so it should be planted with caution around pets and children.
Yes, Bleeding Heart can be divided in early spring or fall. This helps rejuvenate older clumps and provides new plants to expand your garden or share.
Sign up below to be the first to learn about exclusive deals, discounts, and new collections!
We’ll also deliver the latest tips, trends, and gardening inspiration straight to your inbox.
A big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go backA big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go back