Cupid® Bleeding Heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis × ‘Cupid’ PP 32,043

Nature Hills Nursery

Dicentra Cupid Features Delicate Shell-Pink Heart Blooms, Exclusive to this Patented Cultivar
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Pink Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$47⁶²

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for a location that receives 4–6 hours of cool morning sun or dappled shade throughout the day. Too much intense, hot afternoon sun is the main trade-off, as it will cause the foliage to yellow quickly and force the plant into early summer dormancy.
Soil: This perennial thrives in rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil. If your garden has heavy clay, incorporate plenty of well-aged compost or peat moss to improve the texture, as Bleeding Hearts despise having perpetually soggy roots.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, ensure your Cupid® Bleeding Heart receives consistent water, keeping the soil evenly moist to help the root system anchor itself well. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering leads to stress; the surest sign is smaller blooms and the plant prematurely browning and disappearing by mid-summer.

Pruning Tips

Bleeding Hearts are not pruned like shrubs; they bloom on the new growth that emerges each spring. Never cut back the foliage while it is still green—even if it looks a bit ragged—because the leaves are busy storing energy for next year’s display. Wait until the foliage has completely yellowed and collapsed naturally, then simply snip the dead stems off at ground level.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer or a top-dressing of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant very early in the spring as the first shoots emerge. Avoid applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season (after blooming); this encourages weak, soft leafy growth when the plant should be preparing for dormancy, making the crown susceptible to rot over the winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Pink Perfection In The Shade Garden

Bring a dose of romance to your shade garden with the elegant Cupid® Bleeding Heart PP#32,043 (Dicentra spectabilis 'Cupid'). This exceptional pink-flowering variety offers soft shell-pink heart-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Unlike the classic red or white types, this cultivar boasts uniquely delicate tones and ferny blue-green foliage. It's a spring-blooming, cold-hardy perennial that grows in a charming mound and delights pollinators while thriving in partial to full shade.

Cupid® Bleeding Heart reaches a mature height and spread of 2–3 feet, forming tidy clumps of finely cut foliage. The pink flowers appear in mid-spring on arching racemes, blooming for several weeks before fading gracefully into summer dormancy. Its blue-green foliage provides lovely contrast and texture in woodland settings or shaded borders, then naturally retreats after flowering, allowing other perennials to take the stage.

Key Features

Soft shell-pink heart-shaped flowers
Blue-green ferny foliage
Compact clumping habit, 2–3 feet tall and wide
Blooms in mid-spring
Cold-hardy herbaceous perennial for shade

Landscaping Uses

It's deer-resistant, making it ideal for woodland gardens, pollinator beds, and shady containers. Cupid® Bleeding Heart brings romance and structure to shady spaces with its arching stems and pink blooms, topping out at 2–3 feet in a compact mound.

Shade borders or woodland gardens shade garden
Underplanting for shrubs or trees
Cottage garden designs cottage garden
Part-shade containers
Early spring pollinator beds
Add to mixed perennial beds for texture and contrast mixed perennial garden

Native to parts of Asia, Dicentra spectabilis has been treasured for centuries in cottage gardens and shade plantings. The 'Cupid' variety is a refined, patented cultivar known for its soft coloration and neat form.

Care & Maintenance

Cupid® Bleeding Heart is an herbaceous perennial and a springtime showstopper for shady spots. It's cold-hardy, deer-resistant, and prefers consistent moisture.

Planting Time: Early spring or fall
Sun Requirements: Part shade to full shade; avoid hot afternoon sun
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, rich organic soils; avoid heavy clay or soggy soil (compost)
Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist in spring and early summer; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture (watering tips)
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of arborist mulch to regulate soil moisture and temperature
Fertilization Needs: Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Pruning Info: No deadheading needed; cut back foliage after natural summer dormancy dieback
Renewal Pruning: Not needed
Division Info: Divide every 3–5 years in fall or very early spring for vigor and propagation
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Cold-hardy
Deer resistant
Low maintenance

Let Cupid Steal Your Gardening Heart!

With its blushing pink blooms and tidy shape, Cupid® Bleeding Heart adds elegance and charm to the quiet corners of your garden. Let it enchant shady beds and soften your spring landscape with early color and texture. Order your Cupid® Bleeding Heart today and let Nature Hills ship it at the perfect planting time for your zone.

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Cupid® Bleeding Heart prefer for planting?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with consistent moisture. This shade perennial prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from organic matter like compost. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as good drainage prevents root rot in their 2-3 foot clumps.

How much sun exposure is ideal for Cupid® Bleeding Heart?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart thrives in partial to full shade conditions. This spring-blooming perennial performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. Plant it under trees or on the north side of structures for optimal flowering.

When does Cupid® Bleeding Heart bloom, and for how long?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart blooms in mid-spring for several weeks before naturally going dormant in summer. The soft pink heart-shaped flowers appear on graceful arching stems, providing reliable early-season color in shade gardens. Plan companion plantings to fill the space once the foliage retreats.

How do I care for Cupid® Bleeding Heart after planting, including watering?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart thrives with consistent moisture during its spring growing season but tolerates drier conditions once it enters summer dormancy. Water regularly through bloom time, then reduce watering as foliage naturally yellows and retreats. Apply mulch to retain moisture and allow the plant to rest undisturbed through summer.

Is Cupid® Bleeding Heart deer-resistant or rabbit-proof?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart is deer-resistant, making it reliable for woodland gardens where deer browse. While not specifically mentioned as rabbit-proof, its toxicity typically deters most wildlife. Plant it confidently in shade borders or under trees, available at naturehills.com.

Is Cupid® Bleeding Heart shipped bare-root or potted?

Cupid® Bleeding Heart ships as potted plants, not bare-root. This ensures better transplant success since the roots remain undisturbed in soil. Plant your potted bleeding heart in early spring for best establishment before its mid-spring bloom period.