Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) is a classic, shade-loving perennial admired for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers and soft, arching foliage. Its elegant blooms bring a romantic, woodland feel to the garden in spring.

Key Characteristics

Flower Form: Arching stems with dangling, heart-shaped flowers
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Height: Typically 60 cm to 90 cm
Colours: Pink and white (with some red varieties)
Foliage: Soft, fern-like blue-green leaves

Growing Conditions

Bleeding Heart thrives in cooler, sheltered garden spaces:

Sunlight: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Watering: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
Maintenance: Low; foliage may die back in mid-summer dormancy

Hardiness

Bleeding Heart is hardy to Zones 3–9, making it an excellent choice for Central Alberta gardens (Zones 3b–4a), especially in shaded or protected areas.

Garden Uses

This plant is ideal for:

Shade and woodland gardens
Perennial borders
Cottage gardens

Its graceful form adds soft texture and early-season interest to planting designs.

Benefits

Bleeding Heart attracts early-season pollinators, including:
Bees