Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilisfam. Feldmanniaceae
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Pl. F94C — Dicentra spectabilis
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IOverview
Overview
Bleeding Heart, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis and belonging to the Feldmanniaceae family, is a perennial plant native to Korea and Manchuria. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Known for its distinctive heart-shaped flowers that hang downward like bleeding hearts, it is both ornamental and edible, with leaves being the part used for consumption. Bleeding Heart can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-9, making it a versatile addition to gardens across various climates.
Quick answers
What is Bleeding Heart?
Bleeding Heart, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis and belonging to the Feldmanniaceae family, is a perennial plant native to Korea and Manchuria. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bleeding Heart, or Dicentra spectabilis, thrives in partial sun to full sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide a well-draining environment. Propagate through division of mature clumps or by sowing seeds. The leaves are edible but not the flowers. This perennial is native to Korea and Manchuria and is known for its heart-shaped pink and white blooms.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bleeding Heart for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Bleeding Heart for a beginner-friendly experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Bleeding Heart plants, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5; ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your garden or larger containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape; remove dead foliage as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, full sun exposure, not providing enough shade, using heavy soil, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a green vegetable. Skip the roots, which are not typically consumed.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 6 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 2 native· 6 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)SwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (2)ChinaSouth Korea
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
introduced:New York, Czechoslovakia, Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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