Another perennial that deserves your attention is the Bleeding Heart flower. Sound familiar? This classic charmer is both tender and resistant, making it perfect as a small decorative shrub in a pot or as a small tree in the garden. Let’s explore where to plant the Bleeding Heart and how to care for it both outdoors and indoors!
Why is Dicentra Spectabilis Called “Bleeding Heart” and “Mary’s Heart” Flower?
Associating a plant with an object or person isn’t new. The Mary’s Heart flower gets its name from its heart-shaped blooms that symbolize love and the pain of a “bleeding” heart. This beautiful shrub features hanging branches and garlands of flowers, making it an excellent addition to a shady garden. In late spring, it produces large tufts of powdery green foliage and blooms that resemble earrings, which is why it’s sometimes called “earrings” in certain regions of Europe.
When Does Mary’s Heart Bloom?
The Mary’s Heart flower thrives in shaded, cool conditions, making it ideal for a cottage garden. This shrubby plant blooms in spring and can continue flowering until late summer or early fall, especially in a cool and humid climate. In summary, shade and humidity are key for ensuring this shrub flowers continuously year after year.
What Exhibition for a Heart of Mary?
Where should you plant the Bleeding Heart? It enjoys the company of hostas, geraniums, and grasses like blue sedge, which can fill gaps around it. Notably, the Bleeding Heart is among the plants that repel deer due to its toxicity. It can grow up to 1 meter tall in about 60 days. When choosing a location, consider its toxicity to pets and people.
What Soil is Hospitable to Bleeding Heart?
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH level.
How to Maintain Potted and Gardened Hearts of Mary?
Though it looks delicate, the Mary’s Heart flower requires minimal care. The two popular varieties, “Alba” and “Gold Heart,” are vigorous and thrive in white, red, pink, and yellow colors. Dicentra scandens is even a climbing variety!
While it’s sensitive to heat and should not be placed in hot areas, it does well in sheltered spots away from direct sun and wind. Once established, the Bleeding Heart needs very little attention. Even if your soil isn’t perfect, a thin layer of organic matter or compost will suffice. Keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging, as intense heat can cause the leaves to yellow, indicating dormancy.
Do Bleeding Hearts Spread?
Propagation is optional and can be done through seeds, dividing clumps, or stem cuttings. Older shrubs may not flower abundantly, so propagation can help maintain vigor.
What Time of Year Should You Propagate?
In spring, you can either buy seedlings or take cuttings before it gets too hot. In fall, propagate by seed after the blooms have faded—collect seeds from the dead heads. For division, do it after flowering. Pruning isn’t essential.
With the Bleeding Heart flower, your shady garden will thrive with beauty and charm!
