Bleeding Heart

How to grow Bleeding Heart

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn or early spring in a sheltered, lightly shaded spot with soil that holds moisture. The soft spring growth is easily damaged by late frost and by wind, so avoid frost pockets and exposed corners. Mark the position, because it disappears completely by late summer.

Pruning

Remove the flowered stems as they fade. The whole plant dies back naturally in summer; leave the foliage until it yellows, then cut it away. Do not tidy it too early or you weaken next year's growth.

Propagation

Divide in early spring as growth appears, handling the brittle fleshy roots carefully. Root cuttings taken in winter are an alternative. It resents disturbance, so divide only when necessary.

Pests and diseases

Slugs and snails on the emerging shoots. Otherwise fairly trouble-free, though plants in waterlogged soil can rot at the crown.

Value to wildlife

Long-tongued bumblebees are the main visitors to the pendent flowers in spring.

Notes

It goes dormant and vanishes by midsummer, which leaves a hole in the border. Plant it alongside something that comes later, such as a hardy geranium or a hosta, to cover the gap.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Lamprocapnos spectabilis but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.