How to Grow Bleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart'
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Bleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart'
Dicentra spectabilis 'Bountiful Heart'
flowerBleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart' is a cultivar of the classic cottage garden perennial, renowned for producing abundant heart-shaped flowers in shades of rose-pink and white. This improved variety blooms more prolifically and reliably than the species, with delicate fern-like foliage that provides season-long interest. It thrives in shaded woodland conditions and is an excellent choice for naturalized plantings and shade gardens.
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Example Bleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates and afternoon shade in warmer regions
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Dormancy
November-March (depending on zone)Plant is completely underground during winter months and early spring; no visible growth above ground
Avoid disturbing planting area; apply mulch in fall for protection in colder zones; ensure good drainage to prevent rot
Spring Emergence
3-4 weeksDelicate fern-like foliage begins emerging from the ground, with reddish-tinged new growth reaching 8-12 inches tall
Ensure consistent moisture as growth begins; apply balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge; protect tender new growth from late frosts if applicable
Flowering
4-6 weeks (April-June depending on zone)Heart-shaped flowers with dangling appearance bloom along arching stems reaching 24-36 inches; colors range from rose-pink to white with pink edges
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; maintain consistent moisture; provide afternoon shade to extend bloom period; avoid high heat stress
Mid-Summer Dormancy
2-3 weeks or longer in warm climatesFoliage yellows and dies back to ground level as plant enters heat-induced summer dormancy, especially in warmer zones
Reduce watering after foliage begins to yellow; do not remove foliage until completely brown; leave undisturbed to allow roots to store energy
Late Season Rest
July-MarchPlant is completely dormant below ground; no visible foliage or growth; roots continue to develop underground
Maintain mulch layer; allow area to remain undisturbed; do not attempt to dig or propagate during dormancy; mark planting location to avoid accidental damage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Hand-pick, use copper barriers, encourage ground beetles, apply diatomaceous earth; beer traps in shaded areas
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water mist, apply miticide if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
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Remove infected bulbs/tubers; ensure good drainage; do not leave wounds on tubers; apply diatomaceous earth
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryBleeding Heart contains cardiac glycosides and toxic alkaloids that make all parts of the plant poisonous if ingested. Despite the edible-looking tubers, they should never be eaten. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe distinctive heart-shaped flowers are prized as fresh or dried cut flowers for romantic floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and cottage garden displays. The delicate dangling blooms provide unique texture and symbolism. [source]
Woodland shade gardening
HouseholdBleeding Heart 'Bountiful Heart' is an essential plant for creating naturalized woodland gardens, shade borders, and beneath deciduous trees where it thrives and spreads steadily over time. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHistorically, some Indigenous groups used Dicentra species in traditional medicine, though modern herbalism does not recommend internal use due to toxicity. Contemporary botanical interest focuses on isolated alkaloids for research. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeBleeding Heart flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators seeking nectar. The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and small ground-dwelling creatures throughout the season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Bleeding Heart is not typically harvested; it is grown as an ornamental perennial. For cut flowers, cut stems when heart-shaped flowers are fully formed and still firm, place in cool water immediately, and re-cut stems every 2 days. Foliage is poisonous and should not be handled excessively or consumed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Bleeding Heart' refers to the distinctive heart-shaped flowers that appear to drip a droplet of blood from the base—a poetic name that has made this plant a symbol of love and compassion in the Victorian language of flowers.
- 🌱 'Bountiful Heart' is an improved cultivar that produces significantly more flowers than the species plant, sometimes blooming for 6-8 weeks in ideal cool conditions, making it a superior choice for gardeners seeking longer displays.
- 🌱 Bleeding Heart undergoes temperature-responsive dormancy called 'summer dormancy'—in zones 8 and warmer, the plant naturally shuts down during heat stress and goes completely underground, then re-emerges in fall when temperatures cool, allowing it to survive beyond its typical zone range.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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