Dicentra spectabilis – The Classic Bleeding Heart

The Dicentra spectabilis, more commonly known as the Bleeding Heart, is a much-loved cottage garden perennial that has charmed gardeners for centuries. Its graceful, arching stems carry rows of heart-shaped pink flowers with white tips, creating one of the most romantic and distinctive floral displays of spring. Appearing from April through early summer, these blooms rise above soft green fern-like foliage, bringing delicacy and elegance to shaded or woodland-style borders.

Though beautiful, Dicentra spectabilis is also hardy, reliable, and surprisingly easy to grow. It thrives in cool, partially shaded spots and is ideal for pairing with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and brunnera. A plant with true old-fashioned charm, it’s perfect for gardeners seeking timeless beauty and effortless grace.

General Information

Dicentra spectabilis has long been a favourite perennial for shady gardens, treasured for its unique flowers and refined foliage.

• Habit: Clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with arching flowering stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 60–75cm tall and 45–60cm wide.

• Foliage: Soft green, finely divided leaves that form a delicate mound.

• Flowers: Rows of pendulous, heart-shaped pink blooms tipped with white, resembling “bleeding hearts.”

• Flowering season: April to June, with some flowering extending into July in cooler climates.

• Position: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight; dislikes hot, dry positions.

• Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil is ideal.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frosts and cold winters.

• Uses: Excellent for shady borders, woodland gardens, under trees, or alongside ponds and streams.

The Bleeding Heart is particularly valued for its spring display, often becoming a seasonal highlight in shaded planting schemes.

Care Guide

Dicentra spectabilis is not difficult to grow, but it does best when provided with cool, moist conditions.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn.

• Depth & spacing: Plant crowns at soil level, spacing 45–60cm apart to allow clumps to spread naturally.

• Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting to retain moisture.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells in spring and early summer.

• Avoid letting soil dry out completely – Dicentra thrives in consistently moist ground.

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove faded flower stems after blooming to tidy the plant.

• Once summer heat arrives, foliage may yellow and die back – this is normal. Simply cut back spent leaves to ground level.

• Mulch annually in spring with compost to enrich the soil and maintain moisture.

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to rejuvenate and propagate.

Protection

• Fully hardy, needing no special winter protection.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, though slugs and snails may nibble young shoots.

• New growth is delicate, so avoid damage during spring weeding or cultivation.

Why Choose Dicentra spectabilis?

This timeless perennial offers romance, elegance, and dependable charm.

• Unique flowers: Heart-shaped pink blooms are instantly recognisable and enchanting.

• Perfect for shade: Thrives in cool, shady spots where many plants struggle.

• Seasonal highlight: Provides one of spring’s most memorable floral displays.

• Easy to grow: Hardy, low-maintenance, and reliable year after year.

• Cottage garden favourite: Pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and other shade lovers.

The Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart) is a must-have for those who love cottage garden style or want to brighten shaded corners with romance and elegance. With its graceful arching stems and heart-shaped blooms, it creates a display that is as unforgettable as it is easy to care for.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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