The term "Bleeding Heart" primarily refers to perennial herbaceous plants within the genus Lamprocapnos, though it was formerly classified under the broader genus Dicentra. The most iconic species, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, is renowned for its heart-shaped pink and white flowers. However, the common name is also applied to several other species and cultivated varieties within the Dicentra and related genera, all sharing the characteristic spurred flowers. These plants are prized for their graceful, arching stems and fern-like foliage, thriving in cool, shaded woodland garden settings.
This is the classic Bleeding Heart plant. It features arching racemes of pendulous, heart-shaped flowers. Each flower consists of an outer set of rose-pink petals that form the "heart" and a protruding, white inner petal that appears as a "drop of blood." The plant grows from a brittle rhizomatous root system and can reach 2-3 feet in height and spread. It is a spring ephemeral in many climates, meaning its foliage dies back to the ground in the heat of summer, going dormant until the following spring. A notable variety is Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba', which produces pure white flowers and is slightly less vigorous than the pink type.
Native to the eastern United States, Dicentra eximia is a smaller, more compact species that typically grows in mounds up to 12-18 inches tall. Unlike L. spectabilis, its foliage is more finely dissected and remains attractive throughout the growing season if conditions are favorable, only dying back after a hard frost. The flowers are less perfectly heart-shaped, appearing more elongated, and bloom in pink or occasionally white from spring repeatedly into fall. This species is valued for its long blooming period and tolerance of warmer summer conditions without going dormant.
Similar in habit to D. eximia, Dicentra formosa is native to the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest. It spreads more aggressively via underground rhizomes, making it an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It produces fern-like, blue-green foliage and bears clusters of pink, rose-purple, or white flowers on leafless stems above the foliage from spring to early summer. A widely cultivated variety is 'Luxuriant', which is a hybrid known for its prolific cherry-red flowers and extended bloom time.
While not always called a "Bleeding Heart," this species is a close relative within the same family (Papaveraceae). It is a true spring ephemeral, emerging quickly in early spring, blooming, and then disappearing completely by early summer. The flowers are white with yellow tips and are uniquely shaped like inverted pairs of baggy trousers or breeches, hence its common name. The foliage is finely divided and fern-like. It grows from small, clustered tuber-like roots and thrives in rich, moist woodland soils.
Plant breeders have developed numerous cultivars to offer a wider range of flower colors, foliage tones, and plant sizes. Popular examples include 'King of Hearts', a compact hybrid with intense pink-red flowers and silvery foliage; 'Burning Hearts', known for its vivid red flowers and silver-blue frilly leaves; and 'Gold Heart', a striking selection of L. spectabilis with brilliant golden-yellow foliage that contrasts beautifully with its pink flowers. These cultivated varieties expand the aesthetic possibilities for gardeners seeking the unique charm of Bleeding Hearts.
