Bleeding Heart Dicentra 'Queen of Hearts'
ABOUT
The 'Queen of Hearts' is a charming plant admired for its stunning heart-shaped flowers, which dangle gracefully from arching stems. These flowers are a vibrant shade of pink and they bloom profusely, creating a dramatic, romantic display. The petals have a unique appearance, reminiscent of a locket due to the notable gap at the base, which enhances their heart-like form. Below the flowers, the foliage forms an attractive mound of dissected leaves which are blue-green in color, providing a soft, fern-like backdrop for the vivid blossoms. The overall ensemble of these features gives the 'Queen of Hearts' a delicate and elegant aesthetic, making it a prized addition to any garden space where it becomes an enchanting focal point.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Papaveraceae
Synonyms
Bleeding Heart, Venus's Car, Lady in a Bath, Dutchman's Trousers, Lyre Flower
Common names
Dicentra 'Queen of Hearts'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Bleeding Heart is considered toxic due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause symptoms if ingested. These symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion. Skin contact with the sap can sometimes cause skin irritation. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to potential consequences such as convulsions and heart problems if consumed in large amounts.
To pets
The Bleeding Heart is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, again due to isoquinoline alkaloids. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and incoordination. In severe cases, ingestion can result in seizures, respiratory failure, and even death if a sufficient amount is consumed and immediate veterinary care is not provided.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The heart-shaped flowers of 'Queen of Hearts' add a unique and romantic touch to any garden.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety often has a longer blooming period than other bleeding hearts, providing color from late spring to early summer.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Pest Resistance: The plant is known to be resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: While it prefers moist soils, it can tolerate short periods of drought, which is beneficial in drier climates or during water restrictions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistance: Deer typically avoid this plant, making it a great choice for areas with high deer populations.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other shade-loving perennials like ferns and hostas, allowing for beautiful layered planting designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Even after the flowers have faded, the foliage remains attractive, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its clumping growth pattern makes it suitable for both small gardens and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dicentra 'Queen of Hearts', commonly known as Bleeding Heart, can be used in cut flower arrangements due to its unique heart-shaped flowers, adding visual interest to bouquets or indoor floral displays.
- In photography and art, the distinctive shape and vibrant color of Bleeding Heart flowers can serve as an inspiring subject for photographers and artists looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- The Bleeding Heart plant can be utilized as a living fence or privacy screen in gardens when planted in a dense row, although this might take some time as they are not large shrubs.
- With its attractive foliage, the Bleeding Heart can be planted in containers on patios or balconies to enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor living spaces.
- In theme gardens, such as fairy or fantasy-themed spaces, Bleeding Heart's whimsical flower shape can contribute to the magical atmosphere desired.
- In educational settings, the plant can be used to teach botany and horticulture students about perennials and the growth habits of shade-loving plants.
- For weddings and romantic events, Bleeding Heart's symbolism of true love can be woven into the decor and planting schemes of event landscapes.
- Dye extracted from the flowers of Bleeding Heart plants may be used for natural dyeing projects, although the colorfastness and intensity could vary.
- Bleeding Hearts can play a role in sensory gardens, with their soft textures and bright colors providing a tactile and visual experience for visitors.
- Culinary artists sometimes use the flowers of edible varieties of Bleeding Heart as a delicate garnish for desserts and salads, though it's important to verify the edibility and ensure no pesticides have been used.
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- Love: Due to its heart-shaped flowers, the Bleeding Heart is commonly associated with feelings of love and passion.
- Passion: The dramatic appearance of the flowers symbolizes deep emotion and intense feelings.
- Compassion and Empathy: Its common name, Bleeding Heart, suggests an open expression of innermost feelings, evoking a sense of empathy and compassion for others.
- Rejected Love: In the language of flowers, the Bleeding Heart can also represent the pain of unrequited love or the sorrow of lost love.
- Grace and Elegance: The delicate and graceful arching stems of the Bleeding Heart plant symbolize sophistication and refinement.
WaterThe Bleeding Heart should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. The ideal amount of water typically ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 gallon depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During hot or windy weather, you might need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Ensure that water penetrates the soil rather than running off to encourage deep root growth. Adjust your watering schedule during the rainy season to avoid overwatering, which could lead to root rot.
LightThe Bleeding Heart thrives in partial to full shade, preferring a spot that receives morning light and protection from the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal lighting condition would be underneath the dappled light of a canopy or in a northern exposure where the plant gets some gentle morning or late afternoon sun but is shielded from the intense midday sun.
TemperatureThe Bleeding Heart prefers temperatures between 55°F and 75°F for optimal growth and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. While it can survive a few degrees higher than the optimal range, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F can stress the plant. It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold or frost, which can damage or kill the delicate foliage.
PruningPruning the Bleiling Heart is mainly about removing spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and cutting back the foliage when it begins to yellow in late summer or fall. Prune in the late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Annual pruning helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor, and deadheading spent blooms can sometimes promote a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bleeding Heart 'Queen of Hearts' prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A good soil mix can be made using equal parts of loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBleeding Hearts, including the 'Queen of Hearts' variety, typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if the plant outgrows its current pot or if the soil quality deteriorates. Generally, repotting every 3 to 4 years is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingBleeding Heart 'Queen of Hearts' appreciates moderate humidity levels, maintaining a range around 40-50% if possible. Avoid extremely low humidity environments, as this can stress the plant and cause wilting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Part shade to full shade, moist well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDicentra 'Queen of Hearts', commonly known as Bleeding Heart, begins as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil in early spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves, and as the plant matures, it forms its characteristic heart-shaped flowers on arching stems. After blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers are pollinated and eventually produce seed pods. As summer progresses, the above-ground foliage of Bleeding Heart may die back, particularly if conditions become too dry, entering a period of dormancy. Below ground, the plant's tuberous roots persist, storing energy for the next growing season. In the following spring, new growth resumes from the roots, starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Dicentra 'Queen of Hearts', commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you keep a good amount of roots for each division. Using a sharp knife or spade, split the clump into smaller pieces, each with at least one eye or growing point. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the same planting depth as the original plant, and water well. It's crucial to keep the new plants moist until they are established and showing signs of new growth.
