The bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis or Dicentra spectabilis) is a beloved herbaceous perennial known for its distinctive, heart-shaped flowers that appear early in the spring. Gardeners often need to move this plant, either to divide an overgrown clump or to relocate it to a more suitable spot in the landscape. Because the bleeding heart develops large, fleshy, and brittle roots, the success of any relocation or division relies almost entirely on transplanting the plant at the correct time. Minimizing the shock to the root system during its most vulnerable period is paramount to ensuring its survival and subsequent re-establishment.
The Ideal Timing: Understanding Dormancy
The optimal time to transplant a bleeding heart is during its natural dormant period, which offers two distinct windows: late fall or very early spring. Transplanting while the plant is dormant significantly reduces stress, allowing the roots to acclimate to their new location before active growth begins. In the fall, dormancy begins after the foliage has naturally died back, typically occurring by late summer or early fall as temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The visual cue for dormancy is the senescence of the plant, where the leaves turn yellow, wither, and disappear completely. The second window is in the very early spring, just as the first reddish shoots are beginning to emerge from the ground, but before the main flush of growth. Moving the plant during the heat of summer, when it is actively growing, is highly discouraged because the combination of root disturbance and heat can cause irreparable damage.
Preparing and Executing the Transplant
Before lifting the plant, select the new site and prepare the soil for a successful transplant. Bleeding hearts thrive in a location that receives partial shade and possesses rich, moist, yet well-draining soil, often requiring afternoon protection from intense sun. The new planting hole should be dug approximately twice as wide as the existing root ball but only as deep as the root ball is tall. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, will improve fertility and drainage, providing an ideal medium for root establishment.
When lifting the plant, use a sharp spade to cut a wide circle around the crown, aiming to preserve as much of the brittle, fleshy root system as possible. Carefully insert the spade under the root ball to lift the entire mass from the ground, taking care not to damage the crown where the stems emerge. If dividing the plant, the root crown can be sectioned using a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each new piece retains at least two or three pink buds. Position the plant in the new hole so that the crown sits at the same level it was previously, then backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the roots.
Post-Transplant Recovery and Care
Immediate and thorough watering is required after transplanting to eliminate air pockets and help settle the soil around the newly disturbed roots. Maintaining consistent moisture is important for recovery, particularly throughout the first active growing season. The bleeding heart does not tolerate dry conditions, so the soil should be kept uniformly moist, but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Applying a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch around the plant is beneficial for regulating soil temperature and conserving ground moisture. The mulch layer should not touch the plant’s crown directly, as this can trap excess moisture and encourage rot. Protecting the newly transplanted specimen from environmental stressors, like prolonged direct sun exposure, allows the root system to focus on recovery and establishment.