The bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), originally from Northeast Asia, is striking due to its unusual, heart-shaped flowers. These are strung like a pearl necklace on tall, gently curved stems and give the plant its name thanks to their characteristic shape. With its exquisite flowers, the bleeding heart is one of the most spectacular spring perennials - so it's worth adding this plant to the garden.
How should the Bleeding Heart be planted?
The bleeding heart prefers a partially shaded, bright location with permeable, low-lime, nutrient-rich and humus-rich soil. The planting time is mid-April, whereby a planting distance of approx. 60 cm should be maintained.
Which location does the Bleeding Heart prefer?
In its homeland, the bleeding heart occurs primarily in sparse mountain forests, which is why it prefers a location in our gardens that is as partially shaded as possible, but still bright. Direct sunlight, on the other hand, often causes young plants in particular to wither. Older specimens are less sensitive.
Which soil is optimal for the bleeding heart?
The bleeding heart prefers a permeable and low-lime, but nutrient-rich and humus-rich soil. This should also not be too dry, as the soil should not dry out, especially in summer.
When is the best time to plant the Bleeding Heart?
Since the perennial is quite sensitive to frost (which is only a problem in spring since it retreats into its rhizomes immediately after flowering), you should not plant it too early. The best planting date is around mid-April, although the plant should be covered and protected during late frosts.
How large should the planting distance be?
Since the bleeding heart can grow up to 120 centimeters high and 45 centimeters wide, you should not plan more than two plants per square meter to be planted.
Can I transplant the Bleeding Heart?
The Bleeding Heart is very faithful to its location and should therefore not be transplanted if possible.
Is the Bleeding Heart also suitable for keeping in a bucket?
Keeping it in a pot is only recommended to a limited extent; experience has shown that the bleeding heart will not grow as bushy and bloom lushly as in the garden.
What should be taken into account when cultivating in a bucket?
If you still want to cultivate the perennial in a pot, choose a planter that is as large and deep as possible. Make sure that the plant does not dry out, especially in summer, and fertilize it regularly with a (liquid) complete fertilizer.
Can you grow the Bleeding Heart yourself by sowing seeds?
Basically, the bleeding heart can also be grown from seeds. However, please note that this is a cold germinator.
How to multiply the Bleeding Heart?
Typically, however, the bleeding heart is propagated primarily by division, as the rhizome grows very strongly. You can divide the plant in early spring or after planting in mid-summer. Root cuttings can also be taken in winter.
When does the Bleeding Heart bloom?
The Bleeding Heart blooms between April and May. The hybrid “Candy Hearts” is highly recommended and blooms for a long time; its small, heart-shaped, pink-red flowers appear tirelessly from March to October.
Tip
Suitable planting partners are especially spring bloomers such as tulips, Caucasus forget-me-nots (Brunnera macrophylla), primroses, daffodils, grape hyacinths (Muscari) and violets (Viola).
