The bleeding heart plant (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) captivates with its distinctive heart-shaped flowers, making it a favored perennial for shade gardens. Propagating these plants offers a rewarding way to expand your garden, share with others, or replace older specimens without purchasing new ones.
Timing for Propagation
Proper timing is important for successful bleeding heart propagation, varying by method. Division is most effective in early spring as new growth emerges, or in fall after foliage dies back. This timing allows the plant to recover from disturbance during less active growth, reducing stress and promoting better establishment.
For cuttings, late spring to early summer after blooming provides the best opportunity for success, as the plant is actively growing but not yet preparing for dormancy. Seed propagation typically begins in fall, allowing for natural cold stratification over winter.
Propagation by Division
Division is a common method for propagating bleeding hearts, often rejuvenating older clumps. Select a healthy, established plant, typically every 3 to 5 years.
In early spring or fall, carefully dig a wide circle around the plant’s crown, loosening the soil to minimize root damage. Gently lift the entire root ball, keeping as much root mass intact as possible. Shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
Identify natural divisions or “eyes”—pink-tinged root buds indicating new growth points. Use a sharp, clean knife or spade to cut the root ball into sections, ensuring each new division has at least two to three buds and a good portion of roots.
Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth as the original plant, spacing them two to three feet apart if planting in the garden. Water thoroughly after replanting to help settle the soil.
Propagation by Cuttings
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a method to create genetic replicas of the parent plant. Take cuttings in late spring to early summer, after the plant has bloomed. Select healthy, pliable new growth (softwood cuttings) 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm) long.
Make your cut just below a leaf node, where roots typically emerge. Remove leaves from the bottom half to expose nodes and encourage root development.
Prepare a pot with a well-draining potting mixture, such as peat, sand, or perlite. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder can enhance success, but is optional. Insert the cutting into the hole, firming soil gently to remove air pockets.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment, ensuring the plastic does not touch the cutting. Place the pot in indirect sunlight at 65 to 75°F (18-24°C) and keep the soil consistently moist. New growth, indicating rooting, may appear within 2 to 4 weeks.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings utilize the plant’s robust root system for propagation. This method is performed in late summer or fall when the plant is nearing dormancy.
Carefully excavate around the base of a mature plant to expose healthy, thick roots. Select pencil-thick roots and cut 2-inch sections, ensuring each has at least two growth nodes.
Prepare a pot or flat with a moist, well-draining medium, such as horticultural sand. Lay root cuttings horizontally about an inch deep, or plant them vertically with the end closest to the original plant facing upwards, about an inch below the surface.
Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging. Sprouting from root cuttings can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Propagation from Seed
Propagating bleeding hearts from seed is slower than division or cuttings, and resulting plants may not be identical to the parent. For best results, sow seeds in fall shortly after harvesting.
Bleeding heart seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy and encourage germination. If sowing indoors, mix seeds with moistened perlite or vermiculite and chill them in a refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks before planting.
Sow seeds about ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep in a well-draining potting mix, ideally containing peat and vermiculite. For outdoor sowing, plant them directly into a prepared garden bed in fall, allowing nature to provide cold treatment.
Maintain consistent soil moisture, keeping it moist but not soggy. Germination is variable, often taking weeks to months, and seedlings may not flower for the first two to three years.
Caring for New Bleeding Heart Plants
Proper care is important for newly propagated bleeding heart plants. After division or transplanting, water new plants thoroughly to settle the soil around their roots.
During initial weeks, consistent moisture is important; water regularly, ensuring soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. If propagating in containers, monitor soil frequently, as potted plants dry out faster.
Place newly propagated plants in partial to full shade, as intense afternoon sun can scorch foliage. For cuttings started indoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions through hardening off before transplanting.
This involves slowly increasing their exposure to natural light, wind, and temperature fluctuations over several days. New plants take time to establish and show vigorous growth.
Tips for Successful Propagation
Maintaining clean tools is important for successful propagation, preventing disease spread. Ensure good drainage in the planting medium or garden soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
While consistent moisture is beneficial, avoid overwatering. Providing a humid environment, especially for stem cuttings, can improve rooting success, often by covering pots with clear plastic.
Protect vulnerable young plants from pests and diseases. Not every propagation attempt will succeed, so preparing extra cuttings or divisions can increase yield. New plants, particularly those grown from seed, may take time to mature and flower.