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Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart): Classic Arching Hearts for Spring

The classic bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) has been a garden favorite for generations. Soft green foliage and 1-inch rose-pink and white heart-shaped flowers on arching stems for several weeks in spring. Forms clumps 3 feet across; foliage goes dormant in summer, so choose companions carefully. Beautiful in borders or woodland gardens.

Culture & Care

Soil: Moist, humusy; part shade (full sun if reliably moist).
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline.
Protection: From wind and frost.
Propagation: Seed in cold frame; divide carefully early spring or after foliage dies; root cuttings in winter.

Potential Problems

Downy mildew, Verticillium wilt, viruses, rust, fungal leaf spots; slugs/snails on new growth.

Quick Reference

Height	3–6 ft.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumping, Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Medium
Maintenance	Moderate
Features	Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Spring to Summer
Flower Color	Pink, White
Uses	Beds, Borders
Style	Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden
Type	Perennial

Other: Planting a School Year-Round Garden in Connecticut: Garlic for Spring Harvest; Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Growing the Classic Shade Perennial; Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha): Vigorous Yellow Flowers for Southern Gardens; Dicentra 'King of Hearts': Long-Blooming Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart; Dicentra eximia 'Alba': White Fringed Bleeding Heart for Shade; Dicentra formosa (Western Bleeding Heart): Native Hummingbird Magnet for Woodland Gardens; Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart': Golden Foliage Bleeding Heart; Grape Hyacinth: Fragrant Early Spring Blue Spikes for Naturalizing; Polemonium caeruleum: Jacob's Ladder for Shade Borders; Spring Vegetable Garden Plan: 4x4 Feet of Early Harvest Delights

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