Bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia)
Dicentra eximia, the Fringed Bleeding Heart, offers showy, nodding, heart-shaped flowers from April to July in shaded gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Dicentra eximia, commonly known as Fringed Bleeding heart, establishes itself as a cherished native wildflower for shaded landscapes across the Eastern United States. Its primary appeal lies in the unique, nodding, heart-shaped blossoms, typically rose pink to purplish red, which hang delicately above lacy, fern-like foliage. This durable perennial brings structural beauty to woodland settings where many other plants struggle.
This species is highly valued for its long blooming period, often extending from late spring straight through mid-summer in cooler zones, providing consistent color. Unlike some spring ephemerals, the foliage of Dicentra eximia often persists throughout the entire growing season if conditions remain moderate. Its ability to naturalize means it reliably spreads in favorable dappled light, creating drifts of color over time.
The robust nature and low maintenance requirements make Dicentra eximia an excellent choice for gardeners seeking authentic woodland charm without demanding intensive care. Its presence significantly enhances the texture and historic feel of shaded borders and rock gardens.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Papaveraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Eastern United States
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to July
- Bloom Description: Rose pink to purplish red
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Dicentra eximia thrives when planted in the spring or fall, ensuring it establishes well before temperature extremes. The key to success is siting the plant where it receives part shade, mimicking its native forest floor habitat. It requires average, medium, well-drained soil that is consistently humusy and moist. Good soil aeration is crucial for winter survival.
Watering should be consistent to maintain medium moisture levels, especially during dry spells in the summer heat. While generally low-maintenance, avoid heavy fertilization, as this plant prefers natural, rich woodland soil. Pruning is rarely necessary, though spent flower stalks can be removed if desired to tidy the appearance after the main flush of bloom.
Pay close attention to drainage; Bleeding heart is intolerant of overly wet soils during the winter dormancy period. In very hot, southern climates, the bloom cycle will cease until cooling weather returns, but proper soil moisture management helps mitigate summer stress. This plant naturally self-seeds, aiding in its ability to naturalize gracefully in the right spot.
Landscape Uses
The primary role of the Fringed Bleeding heart in the landscape is naturalization, creating an authentic woodland floor effect. It performs beautifully when allowed to spill over rocks in a rock garden or when planted en masse beneath high canopy trees. For shaded borders, its finely cut foliage contrasts wonderfully with bolder leaves like Hostas or large ferns.
Consider using Dicentra eximia in wildflower gardens where its native heritage connects seamlessly with other woodland natives. It works exceptionally well in rock gardens because its drainage requirements are satisfied by the sloped terrain. Planting this species ensures you have reliable color throughout the late spring and early summer in previously shady, bare spots.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Dicentra eximia, commonly called fringed bleeding heart, is a native wildflower of the eastern United States that typically occurs on forest floors, rocky woods and ledges in the Appalachian Mountains. Features deeply-cut, fern-like, grayish-green, foliage which persists throughout the growing season and pink to purplish red, nodding, heart-shaped flowers carried above the foliage on long, leafless, leaning stems. Protruding inner petals of the flower appear to form a drop of blood at the bottom of each heart-shaped flower (hence the common name of bleeding heart).
Tolerances
- Rabbit
Potential Problems
This plant is generally tough, facing no serious, persistent insect or disease problems when sited correctly. The most likely issue encountered is a slight susceptibility to aphid infestations, particularly during early spring growth spurts. Monitor new growth closely and treat aphids with insecticidal soap if numbers become excessive. The single greatest threat to the long-term survival of Dicentra eximia is poor soil preparation; ensuring good soil drainage is absolutely essential to prevent crown rot, especially overwintering in wet, heavy clay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bleeding heart suitable for?
The Fringed Bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) is highly adaptable across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Dicentra eximia grow?
When mature, this plant typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
When does Dicentra eximia bloom?
This perennial begins showing its characteristic flowers from April, continuing through to July, presenting blooms described as rose pink to purplish red.
What sun exposure does Bleeding heart need?
The ideal placement for healthy growth and prolific flowering of Dicentra eximia is in part shade conditions.
Conclusion
The Dicentra eximia offers superior texture and dependable, colorful blooms early in the season for partially shaded gardens. Its native designation and noted resistance to common garden pests, like deer and rabbits, cement its value as an expert-level, low-maintenance selection. Before planting, confirm your site offers medium moisture and excellent drainage to ensure your Bleeding heart thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
When designing a setting for Dicentra eximia, select companions that share its preference for moist, well-drained soil and part to full shade. Plants with contrasting foliage texture work best, such as large-leaved Hostas or Astilbes, which can mask the die-back if the Bleeding heart retreats during a summer drought. Consider pairing it with woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) or woodland ferns; these partners help maintain the dappled light environment this native prefers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early spring cleanup involves removing any accumulated winter debris, but otherwise, little is needed as the plant emerges. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the summer months, especially if natural rainfall is scarce, to maintain the preferred moist soil texture. In the fall, as foliage begins to fade, allow the spent leaves to break down naturally, contributing organic matter back to the soil, which benefits the shallow root system of the Dicentra eximia for the following year.
