Bleeding-heart

Dicentra formosa

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Medium; Prefers rich, well drained soil.

Size

1–2ft tall, 3–3ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Aug

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Coastal Ranges and Sierra Nevada from the Oregon border south to Kern County, typically between 1000-6000 ft elevation in moist woodland and shade.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your bleeding heart in spring or fall in a spot with part shade (especially important in the Bay Area's warmer microclimates, though it can handle more sun in cooler areas). It needs rich, well-drained soil with medium drainage - amend heavy clay with compost before planting. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart since they'll spread via underground roots and self-seeding. This is a woodland plant at heart, so it thrives in moist, shady garden spots and makes an excellent groundcover.

After Planting

Water moderately and consistently through your first summer - aim for about 2-3 times per month once the plant is established. Expect your bleeding heart to flower in spring, then go dormant and disappear entirely during summer heat; this is normal, not dead. It may re-emerge and flower again in fall. The #1 mistake is overwatering during dormancy or panicking when the plant vanishes - resist the urge to dig it up or add water. Let it rest, and it will return.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Clodius parnassian butterflyParnassius clodius

Listed as Endangered under CESA

CA: Endangered

Wildlife Supported