The Bleeding Heart plant is a highly popular perennial prized for its distinctive, heart-shaped spring blossoms. Gardeners frequently wonder if this charming plant will take over their flower beds, and the answer is that it does spread, but in a controlled manner. It is not an aggressive groundcover that colonizes an area, but rather a plant that slowly expands its footprint over time. This expansion occurs through two primary, non-aggressive mechanisms: the slow enlargement of its root system and the occasional germination of dropped seeds.
Understanding Growth Habits
The primary mechanism for a Bleeding Heart’s spread is through the expansion of its root crown, which is composed of fleshy, tuberous rhizomes. These rhizomes push outward from the center of the plant, causing the original clump to grow wider and denser over many seasons. This process is gradual, typically increasing the plant’s diameter by only a few inches each year, growing into a larger, singular mound.
The ultimate size of the clump is limited by the plant’s genetics, with mature plants reaching a spread of about two to three feet wide in ideal conditions. Because the spread is rhizomatous, new plants do not pop up far away; the single plant simply occupies more space. An older, established plant may reach a point where the center begins to decline, signaling that the clump has reached its maximum sustainable size.
The secondary way the species spreads is through self-seeding, which is often sporadic and dependent on environmental conditions. After the spring bloom fades, small seed pods develop and drop their contents onto the surrounding soil. These seeds typically require cold stratification, meaning they must experience a prolonged period of cold temperatures before they can germinate in the spring. If conditions are favorable, small, volunteer seedlings may appear near the parent plant.
Controlling Natural Expansion
Managing the size of an established Bleeding Heart involves proactive maintenance focused on the root crown. If a clump becomes too large, the most effective method is to physically reduce its size by digging up the outer edges of the root mass. This process should be done carefully with a sharp spade, removing the peripheral rhizomes to maintain the desired boundary.
To prevent the appearance of unwanted new plants, attention should be given to managing the seed cycle. Removing the spent flowers, known as deadheading, prevents the formation of seed pods containing viable seeds. If deadheading is neglected, gardeners should monitor the area around the main plant for volunteer seedlings in the following spring.
Young seedlings are easiest to remove when they are small, before their root systems become established in the soil. Identifying and pulling or transplanting these small plants early is the simplest way to restrict the spread of new individuals. By managing both the rhizome growth and the seed dispersal, gardeners can keep the Bleeding Heart contained within its intended space.
Multiplying Your Plants
The most reliable way to multiply Bleeding Heart plants is through root division. This process is best performed in the early spring as new shoots emerge, or in the fall after the foliage has died back. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife or spade to cut the root mass into several sections. Ensure each piece retains a portion of the fleshy root and at least one visible “eye” or growing point. Replant each section immediately at the same depth as the original plant.
Division also rejuvenates older, overcrowded clumps, encouraging healthier growth and better flowering. An alternative method is to take root cuttings. This involves excavating a thick, healthy root section and inserting the pieces into a rooting medium to propagate new plants.