How to Grow Cheerful Heart
Cheerful Heart
Dicentra eximia 'Cheerful Heart'
flowerCheerful Heart is a charming cultivar of fringed bleeding heart featuring delicate, heart-shaped flowers in soft pink or coral tones. This shade-loving perennial produces feathery, fern-like foliage and blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season with proper care. It's a cottage garden favorite that adds romantic, whimsical appeal to shaded borders and woodland gardens.
When should you plant Cheerful Heart in your zone?
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Example Cheerful Heart timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cheerful 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 Cheerful Heart blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cheerful Heart dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, preferring cooler climates with afternoon shade in warmer regions
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Get my Cheerful Heart timeline →Growth Stages
Emergence
3-4 weeksDelicate fern-like foliage emerges from the ground in early spring; plants are slow to break dormancy
Be patient—these plants emerge later than many perennials; mark location to avoid accidental disturbance; provide consistent moisture as leaves unfurl
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksLush, feathery blue-green foliage develops, reaching 12-15 inches in height; plant builds energy reserves
Ensure consistent moisture; apply 2-3 inches of mulch to maintain cool, moist soil; fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer in early spring
Flowering
4-6 weeksHeart-shaped flowers in soft pink or coral pink bloom in clusters at the stem tips; initial flush of blooms appears
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; provide afternoon shade in zones 7-8; keep soil consistently moist; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues
Repeat Blooming
4-8 weeks (intermittent)With deadheading and proper conditions, plant produces successive flushes of flowers throughout late spring and summer
Continue deadheading regularly; cut back foliage lightly if it becomes untidy; maintain moisture and cool root zone; reduce watering slightly in mid-summer heat
Dormancy
4-6 months (fall-spring)Foliage dies back in late summer or fall, especially in warmer zones; plant enters dormancy
Allow foliage to naturally decline; do not cut back until completely brown; leave dried foliage to provide winter protection; avoid disturbing the crown
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick; use slug traps; apply diatomaceous earth; remove debris and excess mulch where they hide
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Spray with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Install protective fencing; use deer repellent sprays; plant in dense groups to deter
Uses
Ornamental Garnish
CulinaryThe delicate heart-shaped flowers can be used as an elegant, edible garnish for desserts and special occasion dishes. Their romantic appearance adds visual charm to plated presentations. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftCheerful Heart's intricate, long-lasting flowers are prized for wedding bouquets, romantic arrangements, and cottage-style floral designs. The feathery foliage provides excellent filler material. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalDicentra species have been used in traditional herbalism, though modern evidence is limited. The plant contains alkaloids that have been studied for potential cardiovascular properties. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeCheerful Heart attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing nectar during mid-spring through summer. Its long blooming season makes it valuable for pollinator gardens. [source]
Shade Garden Landscaping
HouseholdPerfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and understory plantings beneath trees. Its repeating blooms provide color in areas where many plants struggle. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cheerful Heart is an ornamental flower, not harvested for crop. Cut stems last 5-7 days in a vase as cut flowers; harvest in early morning when stems are turgid; use sharp scissors and place immediately in water
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cheerful Heart was bred specifically for its ability to rebloom repeatedly throughout the season, unlike the original wild Dicentra eximia which typically flowers once in spring
- 🌱 The heart-shaped flowers gave the entire Dicentra genus its common name 'Bleeding Heart,' and Victorian gardeners prized these plants as symbols of romance and faithfulness
- 🌱 Despite their delicate appearance, Cheerful Heart plants are extremely long-lived perennials and can thrive in the same garden location for 10-15+ years with minimal disturbance
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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