Growing Bleeding Heart in Canada
One of the first perennials to flower in spring, and one that disappears by midsummer.
Growing bleeding heart in Canada is easy in the right spot. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension rates Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis) hardy in zones 2 to 8 and calls it one of the first flowering perennials of spring.
The part that surprises people is the summer. The same source says the plants usually start to die back by August and go dormant, sooner in hot or dry weather. That is normal, not a problem.
Bleeding heart at a glance: Plant in light shade, ideally morning sun and afternoon shade, in rich, well-drained soil. It flowers in late spring to early summer, then goes dormant by midsummer. Plant ferns, hostas or astilbe nearby to fill the gap. All parts are poisonous if eaten.
Planning a shade bed? See Growing Fuchsia in Canada for a shade basket to go with it.
Light and Soil
The University of Wisconsin: best in light shade, tolerating full sun only in moist, cool climates; in most places morning sun and afternoon shade suit it. It needs well-drained soil and will rot if the soil stays soggy. NC State adds that it dislikes wet soil in winter and dry soil in summer.
Flowering and Dormancy
Plants flower from late spring to early summer, and the stems can be cut for vases, according to the University of Wisconsin. They usually start to die back by August, sooner in heat or drought. Once the stems have died completely they can be pulled out.
What to Plant With It
The University of Wisconsin suggests placing it where later plants will hide the fading foliage, and names ferns, hosta, hardy geranium and astilbe as companions that fill in as bleeding heart declines. See shade perennials by zone.
Safety
NC State says all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and repeated contact can irritate skin. Plant it away from where pets and small children play, and wear gloves when dividing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bleeding heart hardy in Canada?
Yes. The University of Wisconsin rates it hardy in zones 2 to 8.
Why is my bleeding heart dying in summer?
It is going dormant. The University of Wisconsin says plants usually start to die back by August, sooner in hot or dry weather.
Does bleeding heart need shade?
It does best in light shade, ideally morning sun and afternoon shade, and tolerates full sun only in cool, moist climates.
What should I plant next to bleeding heart?
Ferns, hosta, hardy geranium and astilbe, which fill in as it fades.
Is bleeding heart poisonous?
NC State says all parts are poisonous if eaten. Keep it away from pets and small children.
When does bleeding heart flower?
Late spring to early summer, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Sources
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — Bleeding Heart, Lamprocapnos (Dicentra) spectabilis
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Lamprocapnos spectabilis (bleeding heart)