Bleeding Heart

​Lamprocapnos spectabilis

• ​Common name: Bleeding Heart
  
• Scientific name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis
  
• Family name: Papaveraceae
  
• Origin: Siberia, Japan, and Northern China
  
• Height: 2-3 ft
  
• Width: 2-3 ft
  
• Growth: Medium
  
• Zone: 2-9
  
• Light needs: Partial shade
  
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter content. Prefers acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5)
  
• Moisture: Moderate water needs, should be watered regularly
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate
  
• Pests/Diseases: Not very susceptible to pests and diseases, although aphids may be a minor problem.
  
• Growing conditions: Best planted in somewhat shady areas with well-drained soil. In warm climates, it is especially important that the plant gets enough shade. Water less in the winter and more in the summer.
  
• Characteristics: Leaves are simple and coarsely lobed with a rosulate arrangement. Stems are short. The flowers grow in lines on racemes at the ends of stems, and have a distinct heart or pendant-like shape. The flowers are usually pink and white.
  
• Propagation: By cuttings or by seeds
  
• Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds
  
• Facts: Its epithet “spectabilis” means spectacular or showy. Its common name, Bleeding Heart, comes from the appearance of the flowers: the outer petals form a heart-like shape, and the inner petals stick out from underneath it, creating the appearance of a bleeding heart. Several cultivars exist: “Alba” has completely white flowers, and “Goldheart” produces yellow leaves.
  
• Designer considerations: Its shade tolerance and delicate pink flowers make it great for wildflower gardens. Additionally, its attractiveness to pollinators makes it a great plant for butterfly gardens. Best paired with plants that have pink or white flowers, or grown around taller plants. 
  

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Bleeding Heart

Location

Pavilion, Walkways & Garden Areas