What soil does Bleeding heart grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Bleeding heart hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Bleeding heart flower?

Flowering: April–June, pink, white.

How much water does Bleeding heart need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Bleeding heart

Dicentra spectabilis

Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a perennial. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €6.

Illustration of Bleeding heart — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An old cottage garden favourite: in late spring its arching stems carry rows of pink and white heart-shaped flowers. Plant it in part shade or shade, in moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil. By midsummer the foliage yellows and dies back, so pair it with later perennials that fill the gap, such as hostas, ferns, astilbes or hardy geraniums.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage yellows and dies back as early as June or July; this is not a disease, the plant goes dormant and returns in spring. Watering and a shady spot delay it. It rots in soil that stays wet in winter. Slugs feed on the young shoots and aphids sometimes settle on the flower stems. The fleshy stems and roots are brittle, so work carefully around it.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 75 cm
Ultimate size	60–90 cm × 45–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €6

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
9 cm	approx. €6

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials for clay soil Low-maintenance perennials

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