Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis and hybrids) are cherished shade garden perennials, prized for their arching stems of heart-shaped flowers and graceful, fern-like foliage. They thrive in partial to full shade and prefer cool, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. When selecting companion plants, the goal is to choose species that share similar cultural needs and whose aesthetics complement the delicate, romantic form of the bleeding heart, either by providing contrasting textures, extending the season of interest, or filling the space left after the plant goes dormant in midsummer.
Ferns are arguably the perfect companion for bleeding hearts. Both plants demand similar growing conditions of shade and consistent moisture. The fine, lacy texture of most ferns creates a beautiful contrast against the broader, softer compound leaves of the bleeding heart. Excellent choices include the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum), which adds stunning silvery and burgundy hues to the foliage palette. The robust, shuttlecock-like form of the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) provides a strong architectural backdrop, while the delicate Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) interplants seamlessly, creating a lush, woodland floor effect.
Hostas are a classic shade garden staple and an ideal partner. Their large, bold, and often variegated leaves offer a dramatic textural contrast to the fine, dissected foliage of the bleeding heart. As a ground cover, hostas help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, benefiting the moisture-loving bleeding heart. When the bleeding heart dies back in the heat of summer, hostas expand to fill the void, maintaining visual interest and hiding the empty space. Choose varieties like the blue-leaved 'Halcyon' or the gold-edged 'Frances Williams' for a striking color combination.
Bleeding hearts are mid-to-late spring bloomers. Planting early spring bulbs around their base ensures a floral display before the bleeding heart even emerges. The bulbs will bloom, fade, and their dying foliage will be concealed by the rapidly expanding bleeding heart fronds. This is an efficient use of space and creates a long season of interest. Daffodils (Narcissus), Species Tulips (Tulipa), and Snowdrops (Galanthus) are excellent choices that are generally left alone by foraging animals.
Coral Bells (Heuchera) provide multi-season interest with their incredibly vibrant and varied foliage, which comes in shades of purple, lime green, silver, and deep burgundy. This creates a stunning color contrast at the base of the bleeding heart. In early summer, Heuchera sends up delicate, airy flower spikes that complement, rather than compete with, the dangling bleeding heart flowers. They enjoy the same well-drained, humus-rich soil conditions.
Astilbe is a superb choice for extending the bloom time in the shade garden. While bleeding hearts are finishing their display, astilbes are just beginning to send up their magnificent, feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. Their bloom time provides a brilliant show just as the bleeding heart is fading. The astilbe's glossy, deeply cut foliage also provides a textural link to the bleeding heart's leaves, creating a cohesive look throughout the season.
