By: Kristi Ann Wanner
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Dicentra, more commonly known as the Bleeding Heart, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Fumariaceae family. It was first discovered in Japan by Robert Fortune in the 1840's. (www.students.washington.edu/sarabh/bleedheart.html) |
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It's not hard to pick this delicate flower out of a crowd. The thing I love most about the Bleeding Heart is its heart-shaped flowers. The common flower colors are bright red, pink, and white, but it is possible to find a yellow flower as well. Not only does it have lovely flowers, but the foliage is also lacy and fern-like. The foliage ranges in color from green to grayish-green. The Bleeding Heart plant ranges from 6" to 48" tall and 12" to 18" wide. |
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First you must make sure the plant can survive in your area. Bleeding Hearts will thrive in hardy zones 3-10. Below is a map of hardy zones in the United States. You can locate your hardy zone by using the key on the side. |
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If you are living in hardy zones 3-10, it is safe to plant a Bleeding Heart in your climate. As you can see, nearly all areas of the United States can grow Bleeding Hearts. You will want to start by plant it in the early spring. Make sure to always plant the Bleeding Heart in partial shade and rich soil with excellent drainage. Bleeding Heart plants are not at all heat tolerant, so be careful when choosing a location. Although a Bleeding Heart might look like they would be finicky, they are actually very easy to make happy. Make sure to keep the plant well-watered throughout the summer. If you live in North Dakota (or anywhere north of zone 7), place mulch around the plants during the winter to protect them. (www.parkseed.com/almanac_d.htm) |
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D. spectabilis is one of the only species that grows well in hardy zone 3. D. spectabilis is commonly known as a "Japanese garden bleeding heart," "common bleeding heart" or "Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart". This species has small red/dark pink and white flowers. The flowers usually bloom for several weeks in the late spring. (www.bsipublishing.com/features/plant113098.stm). This species also comes in a white form called D. spectabilis 'alba'. Also, England has modified this plant into D. spectabilis 'Gold Heart'. This plant's stems are up to three feet tall. (www.rainyside.com/ornamentals/BleedingHeart.html). |
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Propagation for bleeding hearts can take place through division, root cuttings, vegetative cuttings, or seed. Bleeding Heart's roots are very brittle, so caution must be used when separating them. Do this in spring or late summer. After large roots have formed, root cuttings (3 inches long) can be taken after the plant has flowered. (www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modzz/00000521.html). |
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Michican State University Extension