A Shade Loving Perennial
The bleeding heart produces mounds of attractive green foliage topped with small, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white or yellow. A perennial, the bleeding heart enjoys shady conditions. Fertilizing the bleeding heart is relatively simple and only requires adding abundant humus into the surrounding soil. Bleeding heart care is minimal but will produce years of springtime blossoms in areas of the garden that few other plants will truly thrive within.
In cool, northern climates the blossoms of the plant often repeat throughout summer. The plant often grows up to two feet in height with an equal spread. It thrives under trees beside ferns or hostas.
Planting Location
The bleeding heart prefers a location with full shade or partial shade. Full sunlight will bleach out the color of the blossoms. It prefers moist soil conditions and does not tolerate drought well. Add abundant humus such as aged manure and peat moss to the soil prior to planting. The nutrients will help to fertilize the plant and help it establish itself.
Mulching
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the bleeding heart plant after planting. The mulch will help reduce weed growth and aid in retaining soil moisture. Use bark chips or simple pine needles for mulch.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water the bleeding heart plant periodically throughout the summer months so that the plant does not dry out. Apply a general purpose fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, once in the spring and once in the summer months. Water the fertilizer completely into the soil after application.
Division
The bleeding heart plant can be divided by lifting the plant in the spring and gently dividing the root system. As the plant grows its flowering will be reduced if the plant is not dividing every four or five years. Care must be taken when lifting the plants roots because they are delicate and brittle. The bleeding heart also propagates by self-seeds.
Fall Removal and Care
In the fall the foliage of the bleeding heart begins to die away. Usually the first hard frost will kill the plant completely to the ground. Once the foliage is dead clip it away at the soil surface and discard. Do not allow the foliage to lay on the ground during the winter months because it can cause disease and fungal infections to spread.
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the plants root system once all foliage is removed and discarded. Use bark chips, pine needles, saw dust or leaf debris. The mulch will help protect the plant’s roots during extremely cold weather.
Ongoing Care
With ongoing care the bleeding heart will provide many years of enjoyment. Fertilizing bleeding hearts is easy and will help the plant maintain its health and vigor. Bleeding hearts care is relatively minimal for such a striking garden plant.