Bleeding Heart Plant

The bleeding heart plant (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) is a stunning perennial famous for its arching stems of pink or white, heart-shaped flowers that dangle with a tiny "droplet" shape at the bottom.

QUICK PLANT OVERVIEW

• SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Asian bleeding heart) or Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Bleeding heart vine).

• FLOWER SHAPE: Heart-shaped petals with a white or red teardrop hanging below.

• BLOOM TIME: Mid-spring to early summer (perennial variety) or spring through summer (vine variety).

• HEIGHT & SPREAD: Grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide for the herbaceous perennial; vines can climb much higher.

• TOXICITY: All parts of the plant are mildly to moderately toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.

CARE AND GROWING REQUIREMENTS

• LIGHT: Prefers partial to full shade (dappled woodland shade) for perennials, as hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. The tropical vine variety enjoys more sun or part-sun.

• SOIL: Thrives in moist, fertile, humus-rich, and well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

• WATERING: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging or letting it dry out completely. Herbaceous types often go dormant in the hot mid-summer, reducing their need for water then.

• PRUNING: Cut back yellowed foliage of perennial types after they finish blooming and go dormant. For the vine variety, prune back hard in early spring or late winter to encourage fresh growth and heavy flowering.