Bleeding heart Lamprocapnos spectabilis
ABOUT
Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as bleeding heart, is a visually striking perennial plant renowned for its distinctive heart-shaped flowers. These pendulous blooms are most often a vivid pink with a protruding white tip, appearing as if they are dripping or "bleeding" from the bottom. The flowers are gracefully arrayed on arched stems, creating a cascade of floral hearts that have a romantic and whimsical appeal. The foliage of the bleeding heart is no less attractive, composed of soft green, lobed leaves that provide a lacy backdrop to the showy flowers. The leaves sometimes have a bluish-green hue and emerge in the spring, forming clumps that frame the colorful inflorescences. After the flowering period, the plant may go dormant, with the leaves yellowing and die back until the next season. The overall impression of a bleeding heart in bloom is one of delicate beauty, making it a favorite in cottage gardens and shaded garden areas where its unique heart-shaped flowers can be appreciated up close.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Papaveraceae
Synonyms
Bleeding Heart, Dutchman's Breeches, Lyre Flower, Lady-in-a-Bath
Common names
Dicentra spectabilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Bleeding heart is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion. The toxic components are more concentrated in the roots and foliage. Ingesting any part of the plant should be avoided to prevent these possible consequences.
To pets
Bleeding heart is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Much like in humans, the isoquinoline alkaloids can result in symptoms of poisoning such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these toxic effects. If a pet is suspected to have ingested bleeding heart, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Aesthetics: Bleeding heart produces distinctive heart-shaped flowers that add visual interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: It provides habitat and food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
- Shade Tolerance: Bleeding heart can flourish in the shaded parts of a garden where other plants might not thrive, thus it's useful for planting under trees or in shadowed garden corners.
- Seasonal Interest: It marks the arrival of spring with its early blooms, and offers seasonal interest during its flowering period.
- Easy Propagation: Bleeding heart can be easily propagated by dividing its clumps, making it simple for gardeners to multiply their plants.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Its traditional appearance is well-suited to cottage gardens, contributing to a classic, romantic garden style.
- Companion Planting: Bleeding heart goes well with other shade-loving perennials like ferns, hostas, and hellebores, aiding in the creation of rich, layered plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink and Dye: The rhizomes of bleeding heart contain tannins which have historically been used to create a natural ink or dye.
- Teaching Tool: Bleeding heart's unique heart-shaped flowers are often used in schools to help teach plant biology and the structure of flowers.
- Mood Photography: The distinctive shape and color of bleeding heart flowers make them ideal subjects for photographers specializing in botanic and mood imagery.
- Valentine's Day: Because of its heart-shaped flowers, bleeding heart is frequently used in floral arrangements and garden designs associated with love and Valentine's Day.
- Indoor Decoration: While typically an outdoor plant, flowering branches of bleeding heart can be cut and brought indoors to complement interior decor with their unique form and color.
- Fantasy Gardens: Bleeding heart is often included in thematic gardens designed around concepts of fantasy due to its whimsical flower appearance.
- Bee and Butterfly Garden: The nectar-rich flowers of bleeding heart attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for insect-friendly gardens.
- Educational Crafts: The flowers of the bleeding heart can be used in crafting projects to educate children about nature and the anatomy of plants.
- Weddings: Bleeding heart is sometimes used in wedding bouquets and decorations for its romantic symbolism and soft, appealing color palette.
- Floral Language: Bleeding heart is sometimes used to convey messages in the Victorian language of flowers, where it symbolizes passionate love.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe bleeding heart is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe bleeding heart is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Affection: Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, often symbolizes deep affection and emotion, as their heart-shaped flowers with "droplets" at the base can represent the idea of a heart "bleeding" with love and passion.
- Compassion and Empathy: The Bleeding Heart plant also represents compassion, empathy, and the ability to genuinely sympathize with others' emotions, mirroring the compassionate disposition of the heart.
- Rejected Love: In the language of flowers, the Bleeding Heart sometimes signifies the pain of rejected love, due to its unique bloom that suggests a heart pierced or broken.
- Eternal Love: Despite the themes of sorrow, this plant is also linked to the enduring nature of true love, underlying an eternal connection that persists beyond hardships.
- Expressive Emotions: This plant can symbolize the openness to express one's deepest feelings, given its visually expressive bloom shape.
WaterThe Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) prefers to be kept in evenly moist soil, so watering consistently is important. During active growth in the spring and summer, water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 gallon of water. The exact amount can vary depending on weather conditions; more water may be needed during periods of drought or excessive heat. Reduce watering frequency in the fall as the plant begins to die back and goes dormant over winter. Ensure that the Bleeding Heart is planted in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightBleeding Heart thrives in partial shade, especially sheltered from the strong afternoon sun. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives morning light and dappled sun throughout the day or filtered shade under a canopy of deciduous trees. Full sun can be tolerated in cooler climates, but in warmer areas, it's essential to protect the plant from harsh sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves and flowers.
TemperatureBleeding Heart does best in cooler temperatures and can survive in zones where the temperature ranges between -40°F to 75°F. The ideal growing conditions are between 55°F and 75°F. In regions with temperature extremes, it's crucial to provide a mulch layer to help insulate the roots in the winter and ensure that the plant doesn't overheat during the warm summer months.
PruningPruning Bleeding Heart is necessary to remove any dead or faded flowers and foliage, which encourages new growth and improves the plant's overall appearance. The best time for pruning is after flowering when the foliage begins to yellow and die back, usually in late summer or early fall. Attempt to prune annually, but take care not to over-prune, as this can damage the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBleeding heart prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6 and 7. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand can create an ideal environment for root growth.
RepottingBleeding heart does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 3-4 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingBleeding heart thrives in moderate humidity levels, aiming for about 50% relative humidity, which is common in many home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor Bleeding heart, provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Bleeding heart in dappled shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleBleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) starts its life cycle with seed germination, which typically requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it forms clumps of these leaves from which flower stalks emerge, each bearing rows of pink, heart-shaped flowers during spring or early summer. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into slender pods containing the seeds. Bleeding heart is a herbaceous perennial, so after flowering, the above-ground part of the plant dies back to the ground level in late fall or early winter. The plant remains dormant underground during the cold months, with the roots surviving to regrow the next spring, thus continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method for propagating Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is by division. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring or after the foliage has died back in the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Bleeding Heart, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the roots into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. Trim any damaged roots and replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about a foot (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants and is ideal for expanding your garden or sharing with fellow gardeners.
