Greetings, caretaker. We are the Bleeding Hearts (*Lamprocapnos spectabilis*), a perennial plant known for our arching stems of heart-shaped flowers. To help us thrive and display our beautiful, locket-like blossoms, understanding our hydration needs is paramount. We speak not in measurements of cups, but in the condition of our soil and the signals we display. Here is our detailed request for water.
Our roots are fleshy and tuberous, storing a modest amount of water but also being quite susceptible to rot in perpetually soggy conditions. We crave consistently moist, well-drained soil. The term "moist" is key; it describes soil that feels like a well-wrung sponge—cool and damp to the touch about an inch below the surface, but never waterlogged or muddy. This environment allows our roots to absorb water and nutrients efficiently without suffocating from a lack of oxygen.
The frequency of your watering is not fixed; it is a response to the environment. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, we require more frequent watering, typically once or twice a week. However, you must always check the soil first. If the top inch feels dry, it is time for a deep drink. In the peak of summer heat, or if we are planted in containers that dry out quickly, we may need watering every two to three days. Conversely, during cool, rainy periods, we may require no supplemental water at all.
When you do water, please do so deeply and thoroughly. A light sprinkling only moistens the surface and encourages our roots to grow shallow, making us more vulnerable to drought. Instead, apply water slowly at the base of our stems, allowing it to percolate down deep into the root zone. Continue until the soil is moist to a depth of at least 6 inches. This practice encourages a strong, deep, and resilient root system. For potted specimens, water until you see a slight trickle escape from the drainage hole, then stop.
Our water needs change dramatically with our growth cycle. In spring, as we burst from the ground and flower, we are at our thirstiest. Consistent moisture is non-negotiable for supporting this explosive growth. As our flowers fade and the summer heat arrives, our foliage will often yellow and die back as we enter dormancy. At this stage, you should significantly reduce watering. Allow the soil to become almost completely dry between waterings. If we are kept too wet while dormant, our tubers will almost certainly rot.
We will communicate our distress. If we are thirsty, our leaves and flowers will wilt dramatically, becoming limp and lifeless. You may also notice stunted growth and a lack of flowering. If you overwater us, the signs are more dire. The leaves will turn yellow, not just in summer, but during the growing season. The stems may become soft and blackened at the base, and the entire plant will have a wilted, unhealthy appearance despite the wet soil—a clear sign of root rot.
