Bleeding Heart - A Plant of the Papaveraceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
The scientific name of this plant is Dicentra spectabilis which is a former name now it is called Lamprocapnos spectabilis, they have heart shaped flowers that grows on plant’s arching stem. The plant has attractive blue foliage and the flowers are available in pink, white and solid white colors. It is an herbaceous plant and the plant dies as the heat of summer arrives. This is perennial plant and grows from rhizomatous roots, this plant loves shady conditions. The plant usually grows two to three feet in height. The plant is native to Siberia, Japan, Northern China and Korea.
Blooms of red and pink color of bleeding hearts are known for its romantic qualities. The rare white blooming heart is considered as a symbol of purity and innocence and also to represent beautiful young women who died in a tragic way. Thus different color flowers of bleeding heart signify different meaning. Thus this flower can send a unique message deep and passionate love to your loved one and convey the feeling of connection that goes beyond life and death.
Uses of Bleeding Heart
- This plant is gardener’s favorite for shady borders and woodland situations.
- Bleeding hearts are one of the most popular ornamental plants on the planet.
- Native Americans used bleeding hearts in treatment of stomach pain, cough, insect bites and dizziness.
- This plant is a good source of food for larvae of certain butterflies species and snails.
- Bleeding heart’s roots are used in the treatment of painful sprains and bruises.
Interesting Facts
Different varieties of this plant is Lamprocapnos spectabilis Alba that are pure white flowers, Lamprocapnos spectabilis Gold Heart that are pink flowers with yellow gold foliage, Dicentra eximia fringed leaf breeding heart that is Northeast American Native, Dicentra Formosa western fringed leaf bleeding heart that us native of Pacific Northwest and Dicentra cucularia Dutchman’s breeches that are quite similar to bleeding hearts.
- Fruit of bleeding heart is a green seed pod that is filled with black seed.
- Their flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts hummingbirds that are the main pollinators of this plant.
- Bleeding hearts are fire resistant and tolerates drought.
- All the parts of this plant are considered poisonous.
Soil Needed
- The soil should be consistently wet.
- The plant blooms best in full sun location.
- It prefers slightly acidic soil that can tolerate ph up to 7.5.
- The soil should contain plenty of humus.
How to Plant?
- Bleeding heart can propagate via seeds and root cuttings.
- Divide clump of the plants every few years.
- Dig up the plants Remove the roots that are dry and divide the rest.
- Root division is not necessary but you can to it on spring to propagate the plants.
- Select a site that is sheltered from high winds.
Maintenance and Care
- A growing breeding heart plant requires regular fertilization.
- Also keep the ground consistently moist during the growing season.
- Cultivation of bleeding hearts requires minimal efforts.