Bleeding Heart

Common Names

Bleeding Heart, Bleeding Hearts, Bleeding Heart Plant, Lyre Flower, Chinaman's Breeches, Dutchman's Breeches, Lady in a Bath, Asian Bleeding Heart, Showy Bleeding Heart, Locks and Keys, Seal Flower

Summary

Lamprocapnos spectabilis is a rhizomatous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan. It grows to about 0.5–1 m tall with arching stems bearing pendant heart-shaped flowers in pink or white, each with a white inner petal that creates the classic bleeding-heart appearance. A mound of mid-green, divided leaves sits at the base, and the plant typically forms a 0.3–0.6 m spread.

It prefers moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline and a position in partial to full shade, though sun is tolerated if moisture is reliable. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and can be propagated by division in early spring or after leaf drop, or by root cuttings in winter; self-seeding is possible. Slugs and snails may occur; the plant is toxic if ingested and foliage may irritate skin. This species suits shaded borders, woodland gardens, and underplanting for structural contrast with its arching stems and showy blooms.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1.5-3.5 feet

Spread

20-39 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; can tolerate full sun with extra moisture.

Soil Type

Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Neutral to slightly alkaline soil

Bloom Color

Pink and white

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinating insects, no mention of attraction of hummingbirds, butterflies, or birds