Dicentra Spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a graceful and romantic perennial that produces delicate heart shaped flowers along graceful arching stems. Its soft green foliage and unique blooms make it a beloved choice for shady gardens and woodland borders.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 1 - 2 ft
Bloom Time: Mid spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Rich moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate to high water prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderate
NATIVE STATUS
Not native to North America but has become a cherished garden perennial due to its distinctive appearance and performance in shaded conditions. Native to parts of Asia, it integrates well into shade gardens alongside native species and supports ornamental diversity in mixed plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
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Occasionally visited by Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Red Admirals which may sip nectar from the dangling blooms though it is not a primary nectar plant.
Beneficial Insects
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Provides shelter and early spring cover for small pollinators including hoverflies and solitary bees particularly in moist shady borders.
Wildlife
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Young growth may be nibbled by deer but mature plants are often avoided due to their foliage texture and mild toxicity when ingested.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Space plants 1 - 2 ft apart to allow room for arching stems and to maintain airflow in shaded and moist conditions.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for woodland edges shady mixed borders and underplanting beneath trees or shrubs. Its delicate form makes it ideal for softening pathways or creating a romantic layered effect in shade gardens.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Hosta sieboldiana (Blue Angel) - Large textured blue green leaves provide dramatic contrast to the fine foliage and blooms of Bleeding Hearts.
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Astilbe chinensis (Vision in Red) - Feathery red flower plumes and fernlike foliage pair beautifully with the soft rounded shape of Dicentra.
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Brunnera macrophylla (Jack Frost) - Silver patterned leaves and tiny blue flowers echo spring tones and brighten shaded areas.
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Pulmonaria saccharata (Mrs Moon) - Early blooming pink and blue flowers with speckled leaves add texture and seasonal color alongside Dicentra.
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Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Delicate white flower spikes and trailing foliage complement the romantic structure of Bleeding Hearts in woodland settings.