Bleeding heart (Dicentra)

BLEEDING HEART CARE TIPS
Pruning:
Lamprocapnos spectabilis varieties will die back in the heat of summer, but they’ll be back next spring. Once the foliage has turned yellow and wilted, the plant can be cut back to the ground. It’s important to wait, because up until that time the leaves are busy collecting and storing food and energy for next year. Flower stalks can be deadheaded after blooming to keep your plant looking clean.

Soil:
Bleeding heart plants require moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that is neutral or slightly alkaline.

Amendments & Fertilizer:
Add a time-release fertilizer in the surrounding soil when new growth appears in spring. Additional compost can be added in as well.

Watering:
From spring until winter, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Bleeding hearts won’t tolerate wet soil over winter or dry soil in summer.

Dividing:
Bleeding heart plants can form large clumps of roots and should be divided about every two to three years. This can be done in the spring just as they begin to grow again or in the early fall when the foliage is cut back. Dig them up carefully and divide with a sharp shovel or garden knife. Replant sections around your own garden or share with friends.