Bleeding heart plants (formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis, now often classified as Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are cherished perennials, celebrated for their unique, heart-shaped blossoms that gracefully dangle from arching stems. These charming plants, with their lacy foliage and whimsical flowers, add a touch of romance to any garden, particularly in shaded or partially shaded areas. Propagation allows gardeners to expand their collection, share these beautiful specimens, or preserve favored varieties.
Propagating Bleeding Hearts by Division
Division stands as the most common and successful method for propagating established bleeding heart plants, also rejuvenating older, congested clumps. The optimal time for this process is either in late summer or early fall after the foliage has begun to die back, or in early spring just as new growth emerges. Dividing in spring allows the new plants ample time to establish before colder weather arrives.
To begin, water the parent plant thoroughly the day before you plan to divide it; this hydrates the plant and makes the soil easier to work with. Gather a sharp, clean spade or garden knife. Carefully dig a circle around the plant’s crown, about 6 to 12 inches out, and gently lift the entire root ball from the ground.
Once lifted, gently shake off excess soil to expose the root mass. Bleeding hearts have horizontal roots, and you will often find natural divisions or sections with pink-tinged root buds, which indicate new growth points. Using your sharp tool, carefully cut the root ball into two or more sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy portion of roots and at least one or two buds.
Replant these divisions promptly into prepared soil, ensuring the crown is positioned about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, similar to its original planting depth. After replanting, water the newly divided plants generously to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets.
Propagating Bleeding Hearts by Cuttings
Propagating bleeding hearts through cuttings, while less common than division, can also yield successful results, particularly with soft stem cuttings or root cuttings. The timing for taking cuttings depends on the type: softwood stem cuttings are best taken in late spring to early summer, after the plant has flowered, from new, pliable growth.
For stem cuttings, select healthy stems that are about 3 to 5 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, and then carefully remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. You may optionally dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Prepare a rooting medium such as a mix of perlite, sand, or peat moss in a small pot with drainage holes.
Create a hole in the rooting medium with a pencil or your finger, then insert the prepared cutting, firming the medium gently around the stem. To create a humid environment, cover the pot and cutting with a clear plastic bag, ensuring the plastic does not touch the foliage.
Root cuttings offer another method, typically taken in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant. Carefully expose some of the plant’s roots by gently digging around the base. Select healthy, thick roots and cut 2 to 4-inch sections, ensuring each piece has at least one growth node. Plant these root segments horizontally or vertically in a rooting medium, covering them with about an inch of the material. Keep the medium in a cool, dimly lit area until new shoots emerge, which can take several weeks.
Propagating Bleeding Hearts from Seed
Propagating bleeding hearts from seed requires patience, as these seeds have specific germination requirements, including a period of cold stratification. If collecting seeds from mature plants, wait until the seed pods turn brown and begin to open, typically in late summer.
After collecting, the seeds benefit from cold stratification, which mimics natural winter conditions and helps break dormancy. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with a moist medium like sand or vermiculite and refrigerating them for 6 to 8 weeks. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late autumn, allowing nature to provide the necessary cold period over winter.
For indoor sowing, after stratification, sow the seeds in trays or pots filled with a seed-starting mix, covering them lightly with about 1/8 to 1/2 inch of soil. Keep the temperature between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit for germination. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be thinned to the strongest plants or carefully transplanted into individual pots.
Caring for New Bleeding Heart Plants
Proper care for newly propagated bleeding heart plants is important for their successful establishment, regardless of the propagation method used. Consistent moisture is paramount for young plants; the soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Watering deeply and less frequently is more beneficial than shallow, daily watering, as it encourages deeper root growth.
New plants thrive in partial to full shade, especially in warmer climates, where morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Intense afternoon sun can scorch their delicate foliage. The planting medium should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide essential nutrients and support healthy development.
While young bleeding hearts are generally robust, monitor them for common garden pests like slugs or snails, which can be attracted to tender new growth. If you started your plants in pots, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions through a process called “hardening off” before transplanting them to their final garden location. This involves progressively exposing them to outdoor elements over about a week, strengthening them against transplant shock. Once hardened off, transplant them to their permanent spot, ensuring the crown is at the correct depth, and continue to provide consistent moisture and light.