Bleeding Heart Care: Dicentra for Shade and Spring Bloom

Growing Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis) for spring shade-garden bloom — why it goes dormant by July, what to fill the gap with, and the fringed-leaf natives that bloom longer.

Species and variety differences

Old-fashioned bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis)

The classic. Arching 24–36-inch stems carrying chains of heart-shaped flowers in deep pink with white inner petals, late April through May in most of zones 5–7. Foliage is blue-green and attractive until summer heat triggers dormancy. 'Alba' (white) and 'Gold Heart' (golden foliage) are popular cultivars. Per Missouri Botanical Garden, this species is "one of the most striking of the early spring perennials" and is hardy in zones 3–9.

All foliage and stems die back completely in summer — this is normal dormancy, not disease or death.

Fringed bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos formosa, formerly Dicentra formosa)

Native to the Pacific Northwest. Smaller pink or white flowers on 12–18 inch stems, with more finely cut, ferny foliage that stays green much longer — often through September or October. Per Oregon State Extension, fringed bleeding heart "blooms for a longer period than old-fashioned bleeding heart and does not go dormant in summer if moisture is adequate." Hardy in zones 3–9. 'King of Hearts' and 'Luxuriant' are popular hybrids derived from this and related species.

'Gold Heart' and 'Valentine'

Cultivars of L. spectabilis. 'Gold Heart' has bright gold foliage that provides additional interest even after blooms fade. 'Valentine' produces deep red and white bicolor flowers, more striking but otherwise identical in culture to the standard pink.