The
Bleeding Heart should be planted in full sun to partial shade, but it will also
do well in full shade. This plant is somewhat heat tolerant and needs moist
soil, so do not let the soil dry out. Putting a 2 to 3 inch layer of compost
around the bleeding hearts in spring will help retain soil
moisture.
Known
for the shape of its flowers, and as the name suggests, Bleeding Hearts bear
heart-shaped flowers, from which a little "drop of blood" dangles at the
bottom.
The
plants' flowers are either pink or white, and they appear in April or May.
Dicentra is a major attractor to butterflies. Use as border plants, in
containers, hanging baskets, or in a shade garden. Keep the plants well-watered
to maintain good-looking foliage throughout summer. Cut down the remaining
plants during fall cleanup using bypass pruners.
The
Gold Heart Bleeding Heart is a fast-growing perennial with rose pink,
heart-shaped flowers. The blooms look wonderful against its bright gold
foliage. It grows to a height of 24-36 inches.
Ivory
Hearts Bleeding Heart displays exquisite, pure white flowers that gently float
above the grayish-green foliage. It has sweet, heart-shaped flowers and blooms
from late spring into late summer. This full shade perennial grows 8 to 12
inches in height.