Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Pink heart shaped flowers accented with white inner petals; all white (alba); in spring.
Size: 3’ x3’.
Light: Full to partial shade.
Soil: Moist, well drained, rich in organic matter; pH 6.5-7 neutral to slightly acid.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8.
Care: Mulch plants with 1” of compost to protect from summer heat and drying out being careful to keep the mulch away from the crowns. Trim dead foliage when the plant goes into dormancy.
Pests and Diseases: Rot if crown is covered by mulch.
Propagation: Division of roots in autumn or early spring but established plants do not like to be disturbed.
Companion plants: Ajuga, bergenia, Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’,ferns, hosta, Solomon’s Seal, Tiarella.
Comments: White flowered varieties are slightly less vigorous than pinks. The foliage dies back when temperatures rise as the plant goes into dormancy. Stems of Bleeding heart may be used successfully in flower arrangements.
Karen Meyers
[…] near an armillary sundial invite the visitor to sit and enjoy the surroundings with old fashioned bleeding heart bloom profusely in the area […]