Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart

Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a beloved woodland perennial celebrated for strings of classic pink, heart shaped flowers that dangle from graceful, arching stems in spring. Finely cut, blue green foliage forms a soft, mounded clump that brings romance and texture to shaded borders, woodland edges, and cottage gardens. A time tested favorite, it delivers a luminous spring show before resting quietly through summer heat.

Distinctive Features

Elegant chains of pastel pink hearts tipped in white bloom for several weeks in cool spring weather, rising above ferny foliage in a fountain like habit. After flowering, plants often go naturally summer dormant in heat, a predictable rhythm that pairs well with later emerging shade companions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, humus amended soil that retains even moisture.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during active growth, never waterlogged.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 24 to 36 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring; foliage may wane in summer heat.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Arching pink flower sprays create a luminous spring centerpiece in shade.
• Woodland Gardens: Partners beautifully with hosta, brunnera, heuchera, and ferns.
• Shaded Borders: Soft texture bridges early bulbs and summer perennials.
• Cottage Gardens: Classic heirloom presence with romantic color.
• Cut Flowers: Graceful stems for fresh, short lived arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly in spring; reduce as foliage naturally declines.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stems; cut back foliage to the crown once it yellows.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in early spring; add a balanced fertilizer if soils are lean.
• Mulching: Maintain a light mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
• Division: Divide clumps in early spring or fall only when vigor declines.

Why Choose Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart?

• Timeless Appeal: Iconic pink hearts deliver a quintessential spring display.
• Graceful Habit: Arching stems and ferny foliage add refined texture.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives where sun loving perennials struggle.
• Wildlife Friendly: Early nectar supports pollinators; foliage is usually avoided by deer.
• Easy Care Heirloom: Reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

Dicentra spectabilis pairs romantic bloom with elegant texture to illuminate shaded sites, offering dependable spring color and effortless charm in borders, woodland plantings, and cottage style gardens.