Common bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a spring-blooming herbaceous perennial that forms arching stems from rhizomatous roots. The plant is a fast grower that typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall within around 60 days. Although it flourishes best outdoors, you can keep a bleeding heart plant indoors as well.
Bleeding heart flowers are small and heart-shaped in pink or white. And bleeding heart leaves are typically green and grow in a basal rosette. There are some bleeding heart plant varieties that slightly differ in appearance, including Lamprocapnos spectabilis Gold Heart, which features golden foliage.
Especially if you plan to grow bleeding heart indoors, its important to note that the plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which can be toxic to humans and pets.
Bleeding hearts are stunning ornamental flowers that can add charm and color to any garden. But did you know they also thrive when grown in pots? With their dangling, heart-shaped blooms, bleeding hearts in containers can brighten up patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces.
In this article, we’ll share tips on choosing the right pot, soil, and location for container-grown bleeding hearts. We’ll also cover proper watering, fertilizing, and winter care to keep your plants healthy and flowering beautifully year after year.
Choosing the Right Pot for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding hearts grow fairly large, so select a container that will give their roots ample room. A pot that is 12-14 inches wide and 10-12 inches deep is a good size for one plant Shallow pots don’t allow enough space for the roots to develop properly
For materials, avoid terra cotta or wood which tend to dry out too quickly. Opt for plastic, ceramic, or glazed pots which retain moisture better. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Adding a layer of gravel or screening over the holes will keep the soil from washing out.
Self-watering pots are great for bleeding hearts The reservoir ensures consistent moisture critical for these thirsty plants Or you can use drip irrigation or watering bulbs set on a timer to automate watering.
Getting the Right Soil Mix
Use a high-quality commercial potting mix not garden soil which is too heavy. Add perlite vermiculite, or sand to improve drainage.
You can also create your own customized mix. An ideal recipe is:
- 1 part peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention
- 1 part compost for nutrients
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite to lighten the texture
Mix in a slow-release fertilizer like osmocote before planting. This will provide nutrients for several months.
Where to Site Containers
Bleeding hearts thrive in partial shade. East or north facing locations are ideal. Dappled sunlight under trees is also suitable. Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage.
Group pots together to create a shady retreat. Bleeding hearts mixed with hostas, ferns, and astilbes make a lovely woodland-style container garden.
Place containers near a water source for convenient watering. Add a trellis or plant climbing vines like jasmine or honeysuckle nearby to create a cooling, secluded effect.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is key for bleeding hearts. Check soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter.
Self-watering pots, watering bulbs, or drip irrigation on a timer will make watering more automated. Just be sure to adjust the frequency based on weather and soil dryness.
Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Morning watering allows leaves time to dry out during the day.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
In spring when new growth emerges, feed with a bloom-boosting fertilizer like Flower-Tone or rhododendron food. Dilute to half strength and repeat every 2-3 weeks through summer.
Another option is to sprinkle a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote on the soil surface in early spring. This feeds the plant gradually for several months.
Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Only use half the recommended strength.
Caring for Plants in Winter
Bleeding hearts die back completely in winter once flowering ends. Resist the urge to cut back browned foliage until spring after the risk of frost has passed. The leaves provide insulation for the plant’s underground roots and shoots.
Water sparingly, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep containers sheltered from harsh winter rain and wind. Insulate pots with mulch or bubble wrap if temperatures drop below freezing.
In early spring, remove any remaining dead foliage and lightly turn over the soil surface with a fork. New growth will sprout as the weather warms.
Dividing Overcrowded Plants
If plants become overcrowded after a few years, it’s time to divide them. This is best done in early spring or fall.
Carefully remove the entire plant from the container. Gently shake off excess soil and use pruners to separate into smaller sections, each with some roots and growth buds.
Replant divisions back into containers using fresh soil mix. Water well until established. Divisions may take a season or two to reach full size but flowering will continue.
Gorgeous Companion Plants
Bleeding hearts make charming companion plants for container gardens. Try mixing them with shade-lovers like astilbes, coral bells, hostas, ferns, and impatiens.
For season-long interest after bleeding hearts fade, add summer annuals like begonias, coleus, and dragon wings. Perennials like hellebores and heucheras also work well.
Just be sure all plants have similar lighting and watering needs. And use a large enough container to allow adequate room for root growth.
Conclusion
With their gracefully arching stems studded with heart-shaped blooms, bleeding hearts offer old-fashioned appeal. By growing them in pots, you can enjoy their beauty on patios, porches, and balconies.
Give them rich soil, ample moisture, and partial shade. Feed lightly, shelter them in winter, and divide when overcrowded. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with elegant bleeding hearts in containers year after year.
Can You Grow Bleeding Heart Inside?
You can grow bleeding heart indoors and often with great success and ease, though the plant will likely grow faster and larger under optimal outdoor conditions. The bleeding heart plant likes partial to full shade, so you wont need to be overly concerned about your windows providing direct sun. And bleeding heart can do well in pots, as long as you use a quality potting mix and correctly sized container.
Overall, it will take up a moderate amount of space for a houseplant, growing somewhere between 1 and 3 feet tall and wide. The best place to plant a bleeding heart indoors is actually slightly away from a window, so it doesnt receive harsh direct light that could cause scorch and create too much heat.
Potting Soil and Drainage
A well-draining potting mix with a high level of organic humus is best for this plant. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Its ideal to mix compost or peat moss into the soil before planting.
How to Grow & Care For Bleeding Heart | Perennial Garden
FAQ
Do Bleeding Hearts do well in pots?
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Suitable Container:Choose a large container, at least 12 inches in diameter, with drainage holes. Unglazed clay pots are good for allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
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Potting Mix:Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that contains plenty of organic matter and some perlite for good drainage.
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Sunlight:Bleeding hearts prefer partial to full shade, so a location with a few hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal.
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Watering:Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season. Potted plants generally need more water than those in the ground.
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Fertilizing:Apply a balanced, time-released granular fertilizer when planting and again in early spring as flower buds are forming.
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Winter Care:Depending on your climate, you may need to protect bleeding hearts from cold winters by sinking the container in the ground, insulating it, or bringing it indoors.
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Repotting:Bleeding hearts can be root-bound in a few years, so you may need to divide the plant or move it to a larger pot.
Where is the best place to plant a bleeding heart?
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Light:Bleeding hearts are shade-loving plants, particularly in regions with hot summers. They can tolerate some morning sun, but they prefer partial or full shade, especially in the afternoon. In cooler climates, they may tolerate full sun if the soil stays moist.
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Soil:Bleeding hearts need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and humus. Avoid areas where the soil can become soggy or waterlogged. Adding compost or leaf mold can improve drainage and soil fertility.
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Location:Bleeding hearts do well in shady spots like woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, or along shaded borders. They can also be grown in containers, provided the soil remains moist but not soggy.
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Spacing:When planting, allow for enough space for the plants to spread, typically 18-24 inches apart for most varieties.
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Timing:Bleeding hearts can be planted in spring or fall, with fall planting allowing for early establishment.
Do Bleeding Hearts spread?
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Self-seeding:Bleeding Hearts can produce seeds that can germinate and spread the plant to nearby areas.
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Rhizomes:They also spread through rhizomes, which are underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots.
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Not aggressive:Despite their ability to spread, Bleeding Hearts are not considered invasive and are unlikely to overwhelm gardens.
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Maintenance:You can manage their spread by removing seed heads before they mature, dividing the plants, or transplanting sections.
What happens if I touch a bleeding heart plant?
The bleeding heart is poisonous. All parts of the plant, especially the roots, contain a toxin called isoquinoline alkaloids which causes skin irritation when touched and when eaten can also lead to pain in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and even colic, respiratory distress and could cause you to collapse.