King of Hearts Bleeding Heart

King of Hearts Bleeding Heart (Dicentra 'King of Hearts')

King of Hearts Bleeding Heart (Dicentra 'King of Hearts') is a compact, long blooming woodland perennial prized for streams of deep rose pink, heart shaped flowers carried above finely cut, blue green foliage. Bred from dwarf, heat tolerant species, it flowers in repeated waves from late spring well into summer in cool, evenly moist conditions, forming a tidy clump that brightens shaded borders, woodland edges, and containers with romantic color and refined texture.

Distinctive Features

Graceful sprays of saturated pink hearts rise continuously over fern like leaves in a dense, mounded habit; unlike classic spring only types, this selection keeps blooming with light grooming and handles summer better, maintaining fresh foliage and steady color in dappled shade.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, humus amended soil that retains consistent moisture.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during active growth, never waterlogged.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring into summer with recurring flushes; may slow in peak heat and resume as temperatures ease.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bold pink hearts create a luminous highlight in shade gardens.
• Woodland Gardens: Pairs beautifully with hosta, heuchera, brunnera, and ferns.
• Shaded Borders: Fine texture and steady color unify mixed plantings.
• Containers: Compact habit excels in patio pots in dappled light.
• Cottage Gardens: Old fashioned charm with modern, extended flowering.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells; mulch lightly to conserve moisture and cool roots.
• Pruning: Snip spent stems to encourage new buds and keep the mound tidy.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in spring; supplement lean soils with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
• Grooming: Remove any heat tired leaves in midsummer; fresh growth follows as temperatures moderate.
• Division: Divide clumps in early spring or fall if vigor declines.

Why Choose King of Hearts Bleeding Heart?

• Extended Flowering: Blooms far beyond spring for months of color in shade.
• Compact and Tidy: Space efficient habit fits borders and containers without flopping.
• Refined Texture: Lacy foliage provides elegance between bloom cycles.
• Shade Solution: Thrives where sun loving perennials struggle.
• Easy Care: Reliable performance with simple moisture, mulch, and light grooming.

Dicentra 'King of Hearts' combines saturated pink blooms, graceful foliage, and season long performance in a compact package, delivering an effortless, shade loving accent for borders, woodland plantings, and decorative containers.