Bleeding Heart

About this plant

The quintessential garden classic, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is cherished for its delicate, heart-shaped blossoms that appear in early to mid-spring. These captivating flowers, typically pink or white, create a stunning contrast against the plant's elegant, fern-like foliage, bringing a touch of old-world charm to shaded garden beds. Ideal for woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or as a striking accent under deciduous trees, Bleeding Heart thrives in cool, moist, and shady environments. Its ephemeral beauty heralds the arrival of warmer weather, providing a breathtaking spectacle when many other perennials are just beginning to emerge. As summer progresses and temperatures rise, the foliage of Dicentra spectabilis often yellows and goes dormant, making way for later-blooming shade plants. This graceful perennial is a must-have for anyone seeking to add a touch of romantic elegance to their early spring landscape.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily maintained, Bleeding Hearts require minimal care once established. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in their first growing season. After flowering, the foliage may die back in summer; this is natural. Consider companion planting with later-blooming shade perennials to fill the space. No significant pruning is needed, though spent flower stalks can be removed for aesthetic purposes.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.