Originally from Northeast Asia, the bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) stands out with its unusual, heart-shaped flowers. These are lined up on high, gently curved stems like a string of pearls and gave the plant its name through their characteristic shape. With its exquisite blooms, the Bleeding Heart is one of the most spectacular spring perennials - so it's well worth having in the garden.

The Bleeding Heart should be planted in partial shade

Which location does the Bleeding Heart prefer?

In its homeland, the bleeding heart occurs mainly in light mountain forests, which is why it prefers a partially shaded but bright location in our gardens. Direct sunlight, on the other hand, often causes young plants in particular to wither. Older specimens are less sensitive.

Which floor is optimal for the Bleeding Heart?

The Bleeding Heart prefers a permeable and lime-poor, but nutrient-rich and humic soil. This should also not be too dry, as the soil should not dry out, especially in summer.

When is the best time to plant the Bleeding Heart?

Since the perennial is quite sensitive to frost (which is only a problem in spring, since it retreats into its rhizomes immediately after flowering), you should not plant it too early. The best time to plant is around mid-April, although the plant should still be covered and thus protected during late frosts.

How big should the planting distance be kept?

Since the Bleeding Heart can grow up to 120 centimeters high and 45 centimeters wide, you should not plan more than two plants per square meter to be planted.

May I transplant the Bleeding Heart?

The Bleeding Heart is very site-loyal and should therefore not be transplanted if possible.

Is the Bleeding Heart also suitable for a bucket pose?

Keeping it in a bucket is only recommended to a limited extent, experience has shown that the Bleeding Heart will not grow as bushy and bloom profusely as in the garden.

What should be considered when cultivating in a bucket?

If you still want to cultivate the perennial in a bucket, choose a planter that is as large and deep as possible. Make sure that the plant does not dry out, especially in summer, and fertilize it regularly with a (liquid) complete fertilizer.

Can you grow the Bleeding Heart by sowing it yourself?

In principle, the Bleeding Heart can also be grown by seeds themselves. Please note, however, that this is a cold germ.

How to multiply the Bleeding Heart?

Typically, however, the Bleeding Heart is propagated mainly by division, since the rhizome grows very quickly. You can divide the plant in early spring or after moving in mid-summer. Root cuttings can also be taken in winter.

When does the bleeding heart bloom?

The bleeding heart blooms between April and May. Highly recommended and long-flowering is the "Candy Hearts" hybrid; its small, heart-shaped, rose-pink flowers appear tirelessly from March to October.

tips

Suitable plant partners are, above all, spring flowers such as tulips, Caucasian forget-me-nots (Brunnera macrophylla), primroses, daffodils, grape hyacinths (Muscari) and violets (Viola).

Category:

Vegetable garden