From a botanical perspective, the common name "Bleeding Heart" primarily refers to species within the genus *Lamprocapnos*, and to a much larger and diverse group within the genus *Dicentra*. These herbaceous perennials are prized for their unique, heart-shaped flowers and graceful, fern-like foliage. They are part of the Papaveraceae (poppy) family, which explains their distinctive floral morphology.
This is the classic and most widely recognized Bleeding Heart. Formerly classified as *Dicentra spectabilis*, it is a standout species native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is characterized by its large, arching racemes of pendulous, heart-shaped flowers. Each flower consists of two rose-pink outer petals that form the "heart" shape, with two white inner petals that protrude from the bottom, creating the "bleeding" or droplet appearance. It is a clump-forming plant that can reach up to 3 feet in height and often goes dormant in the summer heat, disappearing completely until the following spring. A popular cultivar is *Lamprocapnos spectabilis* 'Alba', which features pure white flowers.
Native to the eastern United States, this species offers a different growth habit and an extended blooming period. Unlike the tall, arching stems of *L. spectabilis*, *D. eximia* forms a low, spreading mound of finely dissected, fern-like grey-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. Its flowers are smaller, less distinctly "heart-shaped," and more elongated. They appear on leafless scapes above the foliage from spring through fall, especially if spent flowers are deadheaded. This species is more tolerant of sun and heat than its Asian cousin and does not go dormant in summer.
As the name suggests, this species is native to the moist woodlands of the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is very similar in appearance and habit to *D. eximia*, with which it is often confused. It also forms a basal mound of deeply cut leaves and produces clusters of pink, heart-shaped flowers on leafless stalks over a long season. It spreads more vigorously by rhizomes than *D. eximia*, making it an excellent groundcover in a woodland garden. Numerous cultivars have been developed from this species, including 'Luxuriant' with cherry-red flowers and 'Bacchanal' with deep crimson blooms.
While not always called a "Bleeding Heart," this close relative is a noteworthy part of the genus. It is a small, spring-ephemeral wildflower native to North American deciduous forests. Its common name comes from its uniquely shaped white flowers, which resemble a pair of upside-down breeches hanging from a line. The foliage is finely textured and disappears entirely shortly after it sets seed in early summer. It grows from a cluster of small, grain-like tubers.
Plant breeders have developed many hybrids, primarily involving *D. eximia* and *D. peregrina* (a Japanese alpine species). These hybrids combine the best traits of their parents, offering compact growth, prolonged flowering, and unique colors. A significant series is the **Fern-leaf Hybrids**, which are sterile and therefore put more energy into continuous blooming rather than seed production. A standout hybrid is *Dicentra* 'King of Hearts', a vigorous groundcover with intense pink-red flowers. Another is *Dicentra* 'Burning Hearts', which features brilliant red flowers contrasted against silvery-blue foliage.
