Bleeding heart (Dicentra)

When to plant:
Plants can be divided or transplanted in the spring or in the fall (after foliage dies back). Plant seeds in the fall; they'll germinate in the spring after a needed chilling period over winter.

Where to plant:
In warmer southern zones, bleeding heart plants should be planted in a shady, cool location. Farther north, they can be located in an area where they will get partial or even full sun if the weather is cool enough. Although they like damp soil, they shouldn’t be planted in an area that can get waterlogged.

How to plant:
Work compost into the soil before planting to provide a humus-rich base. If transplanting bleeding hearts from bare root stock or divided plants, place them with the roots fanned out and pointing down. The ‘eyes’ (where new foliage will grow) should be about an inch below the soil level. If planted too deeply, they may rot or not flower. Water well so the soil will settle in around the roots.

Plant seeds one-half inch deep and keep the soil moist until the first frost. Bleeding hearts will readily self-sow if seed pods are left on the plant and allowed to open.