Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart

Old-fashioned bleeding heart is a graceful and romantic perennial that is loved for its hanging, heart-shaped flowers and impressive flowering.

Bleeding heart thrives in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH value. To improve the soil structure and retain moisture, adding compost or well-rotted manure can be beneficial. It is important to avoid waterlogging, as bleeding heart does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. 

Bleeding heart thrives best in partial shade to full shade. It is known to thrive under deciduous trees, where it can enjoy filtered light. In sunnier areas, the plant can benefit from afternoon shade. If grown in full sun, plenty of moisture must be ensured to counteract drought. Bleeding heart is known for being shade-tolerant and is well suited to shady gardens.

Bleeding heart is a charming addition to shady gardens and creates a romantic atmosphere with its delicate flowers. With care in choosing the position and meeting its soil and light requirements, bleeding heart can flower abundantly and enrich the garden with its unique beauty.

Some of the most widespread varieties of bleeding heart in Denmark:

• Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Common bleeding heart): The classic type with hanging pink-and-white flower clusters and distinctive heart-shaped flowers.
• Bleeding heart 'Alba' (White bleeding heart): A variety with pure white flower clusters and the same graceful growth habit as the common type.
• Bleeding heart 'Gold Heart': A variety known for its golden foliage and contrasting pink flowers.
• Bleeding heart 'Valentine': A variety with red heart-shaped flowers that add romance to the garden.
• Dicentra 'Burning Hearts': A variety with red and white flowers and a compact growth habit.
• Dicentra 'King of Hearts': A low-growing variety with distinctive pink flower clusters.

This guide is for guidance only. Landscaping and gardening is not an exact science, and a successful result can be affected by many variables, including (but not limited to): soil conditions, location, watering, temperatures, weather, application of fertiliser and mulch, and much more.