Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Siberia, northern China, Korea, Japan
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Graceful, fern-like foliage on arching stems with dangling, heart-shaped flowers with protruding white petals. Commonly known as Bleeding Heart, its unique flower shape makes it a favorite in shaded gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-draining soil with rich organic matter.
- Tuck seeds or transplant seedlings in early spring after frost risk.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide partial shade to protect from harsh afternoon sun.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Plant in a shaded area with moist, well-drained soil for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from disturbing roots during the growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bleeding Heart questions
What zones can Bleeding Heart grow in?
Bleeding Heart is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bleeding Heart deer resistant?
Yes — Bleeding Heart is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bleeding Heart bloom?
Bleeding Heart typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bleeding Heart need full sun?
Bleeding Heart does best in part shade.
More Dicentra to compare
Fernleaf Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Fernleaf Bleeding Heart Mix'
Fringed Bleeding Heart
Dicentra eximia 'Pink Diamonds'
Valentine bleeding heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'VALENTINE'
Dolly Sods Bleeding Heart
Dicentra eximia 'Dolly Sods'
Luxuriant Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Luxuriant'
White Diamonds Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'White Diamonds'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Bleeding Heart with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
