Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis; formerly Dicentra spectabilis) gets its name from its heart-shaped flower, which droops like a single pendulous drop. Bleeding hearts are shade-loving plants that bloom in the cool of spring. The fringe-leaved varieties bloom all summer long. This plant is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
How to care for a bleeding heart
Bleeding heart is relatively unproblematic, although there are occasional problems with aphids and mildew. The leaves are susceptible to leaf spot, and the easiest solution is to cut back the affected foliage. Bleeding hearts may indeedmoist ground, but do not tolerate heavy, wet soil and can get root rot if they have wet feet for too long.
The plant tolerates light well
Bleeding hearts grow best in partial shade. Since it is an early bloomer, a good location is near a deciduous tree. The plant grows large enough before the leaves fall off the tree, and when the bleeding heart needs protection from the summer sun, the tree provides that protection.
Which soil does the flower prefer?
The bleeding heart prefers humus-rich, moist soil with lots of organic material. It prefers slightly acidic soils, but also does well in neutral soils. Spread a two to three centimeter thick layer of organicMaterial such as compostor well-rotted manure on the existing soil. Work it in to improve aeration and create loose soil for roots to grow.
Tips for watering the plant correctly
Keep plants well watered throughout the summer, especially in warmer weather. If your flowers disappear until fall or next spring, mark the spot so you don't accidentally dig in the area while they are dormant. Even if the area is bare, you should continue to water it to keep the roots hydrated.
Appropriate temperature and humidity
The plant begins to yellow as the summer heat increases. This yellowing is completely normal and is a sign that energy is being stored for the winter. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the flower tolerates high humidity well.
What do you have to fertilize Bleeding Heart with?
These plants are not heavy feeders. When to fertilize depends on the quality of your soil. If you have rich, organic soil, you don't need to fertilize at all. Bleeding hearts thrive particularly well when fertilized with leaf mold.
Do you have to cut Bleeding Heart?
Pruning is not necessary as this plant may bloom again later in the season. Leave the flowers standing if you want them to spread. Cut back the foliage when it begins to turn brown and unsightly. Fringed-leaved varieties can also look a bit messy and need to be cut back to the base growth; They then sprout again and bloom again.
Our tips for propagation
The plant is usually planted from tree seedlings, but you can also propagate it from seeds, by dividing clumps, or by cuttings. Bleeding heartpropagate by cuttings– this is best done in spring to early summer. If starting from seeds in the garden, sow them in the fall. Propagation is a good way to rejuvenate older plants that bloom less.
How to grow the plant from seeds
To propagate seeds indoors, place them in a pot of soil. Place the pot in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 6 to 8 weeks. Remove the pot and gradually introduce the plant back to light and warmer conditions. Bleeding hearts also tend to self-seed in the garden, although not invasively.
What is important when potting and repotting?
These plants can be kept well as container flowers, but the conditions must be right. When repotting, choose a large container as they can grow more than a meter tall. A bleeding heart can grow in a large pot for four to five years before it needs to be divided and repotted. Be sure to use well-draining, enriched potting soil. The pot must have sufficient drainage holes so that the roots are not in soil that is too wet.
Our tips for wintering
The plants naturally die back during the winter season, but the root ball survives the cold winter. You can cut the stems down to an inch or two below the surface. Continue watering the soil until the first frost. At the beginning of the winter season, you can protect the roots and help them retain moisture by placing a two-inch layer of mulch on the trunks.
Common pests and plant diseases
The most important pests are aphids, scale insects, snails and slugs. The simplest and least invasiveTreatment of aphidsand scale insects is to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. The best way to control snails and slugs is to pick them off and dispose of them in a bucket.
As for diseases, bleeding hearts are susceptible to diseases common to shade plants such as fungal infections, e.g. B. wet soil, which leads to root rot, mildew and leaf spots. If the plant has turned black and smells foul, it has rotted and may infect other plants nearby. It's best to pull them out. Excessive moisture on the flower's leaves in shady areas can promote fungal growth.
Bleeding heart doesn't bloom - what to do?
Bleeding hearts are usually spring bloomers and will bloom into the summer until they get too hot. At high temperatures, the plant dies and goes into the dormant phase. You can stimulate new growth by cutting them back to an inch below the soil surface and providing them with fertilizer.
