The bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, also Dicentra spectabilis) belongs to the genus of poppy plants. The ornamental perennial, which is very popular because of its unusual flowers (for this reason the plant is also known as “Lady in a bath”), grows in dense groups and thus forms a fascinating eye-catcher in partially shaded borders and on the edge of the trees. The perennial is quite easy to propagate.
How can I multiply my Bleeding Heart?
The Bleeding Heart can be propagated by division, cuttings or sowing. Division in spring or after flowering in summer is ideal; cuttings are taken after flowering and sowing is ideally carried out as a cold germinator.
Share Bleeding Heart
The plant can be easily divided in early spring or after moving in in late summer. The ideal time is either before budding or directly after flowering in July/August. Do the division as follows:
- Dig up the perennial carefully with a digging fork.
- Try to dig out as many roots as possible.
- Shake off the adhering soil well.
- Divide the rhizome using a sharp knife or spade.
- Each section should have at least one shoot with strong roots.
- Plant the sections immediately in their previously determined new location.
- Protect the sensitive plants from ground frost.
Propagation by cuttings
You can achieve a large number of young plants by propagating them with cuttings. The best time to do this is in the summer, immediately after the flowering period. Propagation through root cuttings is also possible.
- Separate a shoot about 15 centimeters long from the mother plant.
- Place this in a water glass in a bright location.
- Change the water daily.
- After rooting, plant the cuttings in a pot with a sand-humus mixture.
- Overwinter the young plants frost-free in a cool and bright room.
- Plant out the young plants in spring.
Sowing Bleeding Heart
If you do not remove spent shoots but leave them on the plant, it will produce fruit and therefore seeds if the site conditions are good. The bleeding heart is one of the perennials that self-sow quite reliably. When sowing by hand, please note that this is a cold germinator.
Tip
If you want to cut cuttings or divide the plant, it is best to wear gloves - the bleeding heart is poisonous and can cause a contact allergy in sensitive people.
