Species
Dicentra spectabilisBleeding Heart12 other cultivars
‘Fernleaf Bleeding Heart Mix’Fernleaf Bleeding Heart
‘VALENTINE’Valentine bleeding heart
‘Luxuriant’Luxuriant Bleeding Heart
‘Ruby Gold’Bleeding Heart Ruby Gold
‘White Diamonds’White Diamonds Bleeding Heart
‘Alba’White Bleeding Heart
‘Old Fashion Bleeding Heart’Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart
‘Old-Fashioned’Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart
‘Burning Hearts’Burning Hearts Bleeding Heart
‘Gold Heart’Golden Heart Bleeding Heart
‘Amore Rose’Amore Rose Bleeding Heart
‘White Gold’White Gold Bleeding Heart
The Story
Plant Bio
Dicentra spectabilis 'King of Hearts' is a compact perennial known for its unique heart-shaped flowers and attractive foliage.
This cultivar has a distinct, more compact growth habit compared to other varieties of bleeding heart.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Yes
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a well-draining, humus-rich soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Plant rhizomes in early spring, 1-2 inches deep, spacing 12 inches apart.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy during the growing season.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Remove spent foliage after blooming to encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for best flowering and to prevent scorch on leaves.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
- Avoid disturbing the rhizomes during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
King of Hearts Bleeding Heart questions
What zones can King of Hearts Bleeding Heart grow in?
King of Hearts Bleeding Heart is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is King of Hearts Bleeding Heart deer resistant?
Yes — King of Hearts Bleeding Heart is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does King of Hearts Bleeding Heart bloom?
King of Hearts 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 King of Hearts Bleeding Heart need full sun?
King of Hearts 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'
Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Old Fashion Bleeding Heart'
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis
Valentine bleeding heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'VALENTINE'
Luxuriant Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Luxuriant'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow King of Hearts 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.