The Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a beloved, shade-tolerant perennial, popular for its unique, heart-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. This plant is primarily sold and planted as a bare-root division or rhizome, which is the dormant root structure. Planting the dormant root at the optimal time allows for maximum root establishment before extreme temperatures cause stress. Understanding this timing is the first step toward enjoying the plant’s delicate spring display.
The Two Optimal Planting Seasons
The most effective times for planting Bleeding Heart bare-root divisions are during the transitional periods: early spring and early fall. Spring planting is the most common approach, occurring as soon as the ground is workable after the winter thaw, but before the onset of summer heat. Placing the dormant root in cool, moist soil allows the plant to establish its root system during its natural growing season. This timing prepares the perennial to handle subsequent warmer months when it may enter summer dormancy.
Fall planting offers another excellent window, generally six to eight weeks before the first anticipated hard frost. This timing allows the roots to grow and spread underground while the plant remains dormant above the soil surface. The perennial is then settled and prepared to emerge vigorously with the first warming temperatures of the following spring. Avoid planting during the heat of mid-summer, as high temperatures and dry conditions stress the newly planted division before it can establish roots.
Preparing and Planting Bare-Root Divisions
Proper site and soil preparation are necessary for the Bleeding Heart to thrive, regardless of the season chosen. These perennials perform best in partial to full shade, requiring protection from intense afternoon sun. The soil should be rich and well-draining, ideally amended with organic matter like compost. Bleeding Hearts prefer soil that stays consistently moist but never becomes waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Before planting the bare root, soak it in water for about an hour to rehydrate the structure. Dig a planting hole wide enough to comfortably spread out the roots, fanning them out and pointing them downward. The crown, where the stems emerge, should be positioned just below the soil surface, typically one to two inches deep. Planting the crown too deeply increases the risk of rotting, preventing successful emergence. If planting multiple divisions, space them 18 to 30 inches apart to accommodate their mature, bushy size.
Immediate Care After Planting
Thorough watering immediately after planting is necessary to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture is important for the plant’s survival, particularly during the first few months of establishment. The soil must remain moist but not saturated, as waterlogging is detrimental to the perennial’s health.
During the initial growing season, the plant focuses energy on developing a strong root system, and it may only produce modest foliage. A newly planted bare-root division often skips flowering entirely in its first year. Full flowering and the characteristic arching display of blossoms are typically seen in the second spring after planting, once the underground structure has matured.