Lamprocapnos spectabilis aka Bleeding Heart

Taxonomy

Lamprocapnos spectabilis, also known as bleeding heart, is a small perennial flowering plant belonging to the Papaveraceae family and the fumitory subfamily. It is native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan and is often found in slightly shaded conditions. This plant is also commonly referred to as lyre flower, heart flower, and lady-in-a-bath. Its heart-shaped pink and white flowers, which grow up to 20 on thick green or pink stems, are its most striking feature and make it a popular choice in gardens and floristry. The leaves of the plant are green and fern-like, with 3 smaller leaves, and fall after the plant has finished flowering. Bleeding heart can grow up to 36 in (90 cm) tall and wide, with arching branches. The plant is often confused with the North American native bleeding heart plants, which are classified under Dicentra. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Lamprocapnos, but is still widely referenced under its old name Dicentra spectabilis (now listed as a synonym). Bleeding heart blooms from late spring to early summer and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.

Common names

Bleeding Heart, Asian Bleeding Heart, Cur De Marie (Fr)

How to care for Bleeding Heart

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Bleeding Heart, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Bleeding Heart should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bleeding Heart loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bleeding Heart prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Bleeding Heart plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Bleeding Heart is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.


More info:
Wikipedia