Dicentra spectibilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a classic spring-blooming perennial prized for its arching stems of heart-shaped pink and white flowers. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this elegant plant brings a graceful, cottage-garden charm to shady borders and woodland gardens. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage adds texture and interest before dying back in summer, often going dormant by midsummer in hot climates. Easy to grow and deer-resistant, Dicentra spectibilis thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is beloved for its romantic appearance and pollinator-friendly blooms.

Why choose Dicentra spectibilis

Iconic flowers: Unique heart-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully in spring

Shade garden favorite: Performs beautifully in part to full shade

Low-maintenance beauty: Returns reliably year after year with little effort

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade

Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Maintenance: Low—cut back after foliage dies back in summer

Designs for your garden

Woodland gardens: A natural fit under trees and among spring bulbs

Shady borders: Adds delicate color and form before summer perennials emerge

Cottage gardens: Pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and lungwort

Ecological benefits

Pollinator plant: Early blooms support native bees and hummingbirds

Wildlife-friendly: Offers shelter for insects and small critters in shade gardens

Non-invasive: Clump-forming and easy to manage

Similar native alternatives

Looking for a native option? Here are three native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:
Cercis canadensis – Redbud

Kalmia angustifolium – Sheep Laurel

Asclepias incarnata Cinderella – Swamp Milkweed