The joys of a bleeding heart. This may sound like a contradiction, but the bleeding heart being referred to is of the plant, and not the human, variety.
What is a Bleeding Heart?
Bleeding hearts are a perennial, shade-loving plant with delicate blooms. The outer petals curve into the shape of a heart, while the inner petals protrude from the bottom. Hence the name ‘bleeding heart.’
There are several varieties of this plant, but the most common is Dicentra Spectabilis with its bright, blushing tones and colorful inner petals.
Bloom Period
Dicentra Spectabilis is one of the earliest bloomers, making a spectacular appearance in the cooler spring months before giving way to more heat-loving plants in the summer. After the blooms have finished, bleeding hearts can be cut back to allow annual flowers and plants a little more room in the garden.
Where to Find Them
Bleeding hearts can be found in many plant nurseries. They are hardy and often establish themselves with minimal effort on the gardener’s part. They will continue to grow and flourish year after year given the right conditions.
Where and When to Plant
There are many more sun-loving than shade-loving plants out there. Bleeding hearts are one of the few who are perfectly happy in part and full shade conditions. Make sure that the soil is deep enough to support the plant roots as they expand. Soil should drain well and be augmented with composted dirt. Adding a new layer of compost at the beginning of each growing season will help to ensure the health of the soil.
Bleeding hearts should be planted in the spring.
Care
Bleeding hearts need minimal care. They are not prone to bugs and diseases and are considered quite hardy. Bleeding hearts can re-seed themselves and will continue to expand year after year. If separating the plant becomes desirable, dig through and separate from the roots. Handle the roots with care and, if transplanting, do so immediately.
Why a Bleeding Heart
One of the most wonderful characteristics of this plant is definitely its uniquely shaped flowers with their subtle blends of colors.
Unlike other early-blooming plants (such as tulips,) bleeding hearts do not need to be sown and dug up every year. This plant arrives at its full splendor while the trees and most other growing things are just beginning to put out their tendrils of green. A profusion of blossoms sways from the limbs of this hardy perennial in a show-stopping array, giving a bit of color to an otherwise still-awakening garden.
A joy, indeed.
Monica C. Webster - Monica C. Webster is a graduate of the University of Toronto, with a BA in Art and Art History and a minor in English. She also has a ...
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