Bleeding heart (Dicentra 'King of Hearts')

Overview

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, part of the classic Bleeding heart group, prized for its refined appearance and consistent performance in shaded gardens. This compact hybrid cultivar typically produces attractive mounds of deeply dissected, bluish-green foliage that remains tidy throughout the season. Its main decorative feature is the nodding, heart-shaped flowers displayed in a rich carmine-rose hue, offering reliable spring color.

As a low-maintenance perennial, Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ fits beautifully into woodland settings where it appreciates consistent moisture. It is a sterile hybrid, meaning garden propagation relies solely on vegetative methods, but its resilience and beauty make it a staple for shade borders. Gardeners seek out the Bleeding heart genus for its unique floral architecture and dependable springtime display.

This specific cultivar offers a manageable size, rarely exceeding 1.5 feet in height or spread, making it excellent for edging or mass planting beneath deciduous trees. The persistent foliage provides crucial textural contrast long after the main bloom period concludes in early summer.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Papaveraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Carmine-rose
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ thrives when planted in the spring or fall, establishing best in locations receiving part shade. The primary key to success is soil quality; these plants demand rich, fertile, humusy, and consistently moist, well-drained soils. They are intolerant of winter wetness, so ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot over winter.

Watering should be regular, especially as the plants do not tolerate drying out during the summer months. While it is a relatively low-maintenance perennial once established, prompt removal of spent flowering stems is recommended to encourage potential rebloom as cooler weather returns. This sterile hybrid must be vegetatively propagated, as seed production is not an option for gardeners.

To maintain optimal richness, amend the soil with compost annually. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive soft foliage growth at the expense of flowers. In colder northern climates, the foliage may remain attractive and provide ground cover throughout the summer if moisture levels are adequately sustained.

Landscape Uses

The tidy form and shade tolerance make Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ highly versatile in shaded landscape designs. This Bleeding heart is excellent when used in mass plantings to create a sweeping bank of color beneath taller canopy trees, mimicking its native woodland environment. It also functions perfectly as an edging plant along shaded paths or borders where its nodding, heart-shaped blooms can be easily admired.

For textural contrast, pair Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ with plants offering bold, light-colored foliage, such as certain Hostas or Astilbes that share similar moisture requirements. It works well in rock gardens, provided the soil remains consistently fertile and moist, or as a low specimen plant in deep shade corners. The foliage remains attractive even after the flowers fade, ensuring continuous visual interest in borders and woodland gardens.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus Dicentra comprises multiple perennial and annual species native to North American and Asian woodlands. Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ is a notable hybrid cross, specifically involving D. Peregrina and American species, designed to maximize compactness and flower duration. Flowers are famously heart-shaped with two spurs, giving the genus its common name, Bleeding heart, as a drop of color appears to hang from the base. The foliage of ‘King of Hearts’ is finely dissected and bluish-green, forming a mound that carries the carmine-rose blooms beautifully above it.

Tolerances

• Rabbit

Potential Problems

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ generally exhibits low susceptibility to serious pests or diseases, but vigilance is advised. Slugs and snails can sometimes bother new spring growth, requiring early-season baiting or cultural controls. In humid conditions or if drainage is poor, watch for fungal issues like powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust, or root rots (verticillium or fusarium wilt). Excellent soil drainage remains the most crucial element for preventing disease and ensuring the long-term survival of your Bleeding heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ suitable for?

This perennial is highly adaptable, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

When does Bleeding heart bloom?

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ typically produces its carmine-rose blooms starting in May and continuing through June, though rebloom is possible in cooler summers or falls if moisture is maintained.

How large does Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ grow?

This variety is relatively compact, reaching heights between 0.75 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 0.75 to 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does this perennial need?

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ prefers part shade conditions in the garden.

Conclusion

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ offers vibrant, uniquely shaped flowers and attractive foliage, making it an indispensable option for cool, shaded garden spaces. Its low maintenance needs and distinct beauty solidify the Bleeding heart’s reputation as a perennial classic. Before planting, ensure your site offers the rich, consistently moist, yet well-drained conditions that this cultivar requires for optimal summer performance.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’, focus on plants that share a love for cool, moist, and rich soil, as well as part shade exposure. Consider using textural partners like various shade-loving ferns or Hosta cultivars, particularly those with chartreuse or variegated leaves that contrast nicely with the deep green foliage of the Bleeding heart. Astilbes and Heucheras also make excellent neighbors, as they bloom slightly later, helping to extend the interest in the border as the bloom period for Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ concludes in early summer.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is when you should begin monitoring moisture levels closely to ensure the soil never dries out while the plant is actively growing and blooming. Lightly top-dress the area around the base of the Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ with aged compost early in the season to replenish humus levels. In late fall or winter dormancy, avoid disturbing the root zone; though maintenance is low, protect the crowns from excessive foot traffic or newly saturated soils, as they cannot tolerate standing water.