Bleeding Heart Plants: Varieties, Leaves & Care Guide (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Bleeding heart plant care is easier than you might think. These elegant perennials (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) bring a touch of romance to a shaded cottage garden with their heart-shaped flowers and delicate, lacy leaves.

Would you like to enjoy their blooms year after year? This guide will show you how to choose the right varieties, care for their leaves and flowers, and keep your plants healthy from spring through fall.

Keep reading to learn planting and propagation tips, how to handle pests, and explore stunning bleeding heart flower photos to inspire your garden design.

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Bleeding heart plant care overview

Here is a quick guide to the care of bleeding hearts:

• Common names: Bleeding Heart, Asian Bleeding Heart, Japanese Bleeding Heart, Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Locks and Keys
• Botanical name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis)
• Family: Papaveraceae (poppy)
• Plant type: Perennial
• Sunlight needs: Partial to full shade
• Soil requirements: Rich, well-draining soil
• Watering needs: Consistent moisture (1 inch – 2.54 cm a week)
• Mature size: 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and wide
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Flower color: Classic pink and white to white, pink, red, purple, and yellow
• Fertilizing needs: Slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Temperature needs: 55-75°F (13-24°C)
• Humidity requirements: Moderate to high humidity
• Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3-9
• Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets, if ingested
• Native habitat: Far East

Bleeding heart flowers – colors, shape, and bloom time

The flowers of bleeding heart are, as the name suggests, heart-shaped.

• The flowers grow on long stems, and their weight causes the arching branches, creating a dramatic cascading effect.
• Each bloom has a signature “bleeding” detail, with small inner petals looking like drops beneath the heart shape.
• Colors range from the typical pink to white, red, purple, and even yellow. Bi-colored versions with white drops are common.
• Blooms arrive in late winter or early spring and last 6 weeks or more in cool conditions.

Bleeding heart leaves and foliage

The leaves of Lamprocapnos spectabilis plants have a soft, lacy texture that resembles fern foliage, forming a graceful, mounded clump.

• During spring and early summer, the foliage is fresh, green, and delicate.
• As summer heat arrives, leaves turn yellow, and the plant goes naturally dormant until the following spring.
• Some bleeding heart varieties have unusual leaf colors and patterns, including fringed edges and shades ranging from silver-blue to yellow-green.

Fringe-leaf vs fern-leaf bleeding hearts

Some plants commonly called bleeding hearts have finely divided foliage and a much longer blooming season. These species differ from Lamprocapnos spectabilis and do not go fully dormant in summer.

• Fringe-leaf bleeding heart (Dicentra exima) is native to the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States.
• Fern-leaf bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is native to the Pacific Coast of North America.
• The fringe-leaf types are slightly more heat-tolerant.
• The fern-leaf varieties prefer cooler, shady conditions.
• They bloom from spring to fall, and keep the foliage longer than Lamprocapnos spectabilis.

Lamprocapnos spectabilis mature size and growth habit

Bleeding hearts can grow quite large, so they need plenty of room to spread.

• Typically, mature plants grow to 3 feet tall (90 cm) and wide. Some varieties can grow up to 4 feet (120 cm) in size.
• When planting, space them 2-3 feet apart (60-90 cm).
• It takes 2 to 5 years for the plant to reach its mature size.
• Bleeding hearts have a rounded growth habit, forming large clumps.

Bleeding heart varieties

There are several varieties of bleeding heart plants. Their flower color, size, and leaf shape can vary. Some common varieties are:

• ‘White Gold’: Yellow-green leaves with white flowers.
• ‘King of Hearts’: Blue-green leaves with rose-pink flowers.
• ‘Aurora’: Silvery-blue foliage and white flowers.
• ‘Bacchanal’: Silver-blue leaves with wine-red flowers.
• ‘Alba’: Light green foliage and pure white flowers.
• ‘Exima’: Dissected gray-green foliage and pinkish-purple flowers. (Does not go dormant with adequate moisture!)
• ‘Gold Heart’: Bright, golden-yellow foliage with pink and white flowers
• ‘Burning Hearts’: Blue-green leaves with magenta flowers.
• ‘Valentine’: Reddish stems with deep green foliage and scarlet red flowers.

How to grow bleeding hearts

Now that you know how pretty their blooms and foliage are, here are tips for growing them successfully.

Sunlight and soil needs

• Bleeding hearts thrive in partial to full shade — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• They prefer rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
• Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Planting and spacing

• Plant rhizomes or young plants in early spring or fall.
• A sturdy hand trowel makes digging holes and dividing clumps much easier, especially in rich garden soil.
• Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature size and good air circulation.
• Group in clusters for the most striking garden display.

Water and fertilizing requirements

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
• Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• A simple soil moisture meter can help you avoid overwatering.

Pruning tips for bleeding hearts

• Deadheading is not required, but can be done to prevent self-seeding.
• Cut the yellowing foliage back to the ground in mid-to late summer after the plant becomes dormant.

How to propagate bleeding heart plants

Bleeding hearts propagation is done with stem cuttings, division, and seed.

• Root stem cuttings in early spring or early fall.
• Divide the clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or after flowering.
• Bleeding heart plants readily self-seed if not pruned after flowering.
• Propagation from seed requires a longer time before flowering.

Bleeding heart pests and problems

Lamprocapnos spectabilis is generally problem-free. Watch for these issues:

• Yellow leaves before dormancy indicate that the plant is getting too much water.
• Aphids can sometimes be a problem for bleeding heart plants. Remove them if found, or treat with a horticultural soap.
• If slugs and snails are a problem in your garden, use a pet-safe slug control product to help protect tender bleeding heart foliage.
• Leaf spot and mildew can be problematic.
• Ensure good soil drainage to prevent root rot.

Bleeding heart companion plants

Since bleeding hearts go dormant in the summer, this can leave gaps in your garden. Growing it with other shade-loving plants that stay green all summer long is the answer.

Some popular companions for bleeding heart plants:

• Hostas
• Ferns
• Astilbe
• Coral bells
• Hydrangeas

Get the free bleeding heart plant care printable

You can print this handy, at-a-glance care guide in high-resolution JPG or PDF formats using the links below:

• Get the high-resolution printable (JPG) ↗
• Get the PDF printable (PDF) ↗

Frequently asked questions about bleeding heart plants

Here are answers to common questions gardeners have about Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis):

Are bleeding heart plants toxic? Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, according to Pet Poison Hotline, so keep them away from pets and children.

Are there blue bleeding heart flowers? No true blue varieties exist. What some sellers call “blue bleeding heart” is usually Corydalis elata, also known as false blue bleeding heart.

Do bleeding hearts attract butterflies? While they aren’t a major butterfly magnet, their nectar may attract a few pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

Are bleeding hearts deer-resistant? Generally, yes. Deer tend to avoid the foliage and flowers.

How cold-hardy are bleeding hearts? Bleeding hearts are hardy in USDA zones 3–9, depending on the variety. Mulch for winter protection.

Do bleeding heart plants come back every year? Yes, they are perennial plants. The above-ground foliage dies back in summer heat, but the roots emerge again in spring.

Can you grow bleeding hearts in pots? Yes, choose a large container with well-draining soil and place it in partial to full shade for best results.

Do bleeding hearts spread? Yes, but gently. Lamprocapnos spectabilis spreads via underground rhizomes over time, forming charming clumps without taking over your garden.

More Garden Inspiration

Explore these posts to add color, charm, and shade-friendly plants to your garden.

• Spring Flowering Plants – Bring color and life to your garden this season with easy-to-grow, vibrant spring blooms.
• Flowers for Cottage Gardens – Create the charming, whimsical look of a classic cottage garden with blooms that delight all season.
• Plants for Shade Gardens – Discover shade-loving perennials that thrive in low-light areas, perfect companions for your bleeding hearts.

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Admin note: This article for Lamprocapnos spectabilis care first appeared on the blog in May 2017. This post has been updated with new photos, a printable growing tips card, and a slideshow video about bleeding heart plant care.

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