The Bleeding Heart is a popular perennial known for its graceful, arching stems and distinctive heart-shaped flowers. Many gardeners opt for the more economical bare-root stock, which is the plant’s dormant rhizome and root structure without soil. Planting bare roots, especially for the common variety Lamprocapnos spectabilis, requires precise timing to ensure the plant successfully breaks dormancy and establishes itself. This method relies on the root developing a robust system before summer heat forces the plant into its natural rest period.
Optimal Seasonal Timing for Bare Roots
The best time to plant bare-root Bleeding Hearts is in early spring, typically around late winter or March, as soon as the soil is workable. This timing allows the plant to utilize cool temperatures and spring moisture to develop a strong root structure before putting energy into above-ground growth. Planting while the plant is fully dormant prevents shock and encourages the roots to anchor firmly.
Planting must be completed before the onset of high summer temperatures, which prematurely trigger the plant’s natural dormancy cycle. Late fall is a viable secondary option, provided the ground has not yet frozen solid, allowing for root-setting before winter. However, spring planting is preferred for bare roots, as it minimizes the risk of the root system rotting over a prolonged, wet winter.
Site Selection and Soil Requirements
Bleeding Hearts thrive in environments that mimic their native woodland setting, requiring specific light and soil composition. The ideal location provides partial to full shade, protecting the plant from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch foliage and force early summer dormancy. In cooler northern climates, the plant can tolerate more direct sun, particularly morning light, if the soil remains reliably moist.
The soil must be humus-rich, fertile, and well-draining, as the fleshy roots are highly susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. Prior to planting, amend the native soil thoroughly with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is preferred for optimal nutrient uptake.
Step-by-Step Root Planting Procedure
Before planting, rehydrate the root by soaking it in lukewarm water for one to four hours. This replaces moisture lost during storage and prepares the root for active growth. While the roots soak, prepare a hole wider than the root mass and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
Create a small cone of soil in the center of the hole for proper positioning. Gently spread the roots out and drape them over this mound, pointing downward and outward. The crown, where the roots meet the stem, must be positioned just below the soil surface, typically one to two inches deep.
Planting the crown too deep can lead to rot and prevent flowering; planting it too high risks the root drying out. Backfill the hole carefully with the amended soil, lightly tamping it down to remove air pockets. A thorough initial watering will help the soil settle firmly around the bare-root structure.
Initial Care and Managing Dormancy
Immediately after planting, water the area deeply and keep the soil consistently moist, especially throughout the first few weeks of establishment. The soil should never become waterlogged, as this quickly leads to root and crown diseases. Applying a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the plant, kept away from the crown, helps conserve soil moisture and maintain a cool root zone.
The common Bleeding Heart naturally goes dormant as the weather warms, typically around mid-summer, causing the foliage to yellow and die back. Do not cut the yellowing foliage back prematurely, as the leaves are actively photosynthesizing and storing energy in the roots for the following spring’s growth. Once the foliage has completely wilted, it can be trimmed back to the ground, and watering can be reduced until the next growing season.