Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Also known as: Lady-in-a-bath, Bleeding heart Flower

The bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a flowering plant in the poppy family, native to Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan. Often known as the Japanese bleeding heart, it thrives as an ornamental plant, preferring moist soil and ample sunlight.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Bleeding heart

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Red

Images of Bleeding heart

Quickly Identify Bleeding heart

Ornamental raceme-like blooms with 7-15 heart-shaped pink to white petals.

Biternately compound leaves with coarsely lobed, toothed leaflets; upper green, undersides glaucous.

Thick, succulent stems reaching 23-36 inches; simple branching pattern from central point.

Oblong capsule fruits containing 2-8 black, smooth seeds; mature in April-June.

Distinctive stature, 2-3 feet tall and wide; may yellow and recede after flowering.

Scientific Classification of Bleeding heart

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Poppy

Genus

Bleeding heart

Species

Bleeding heart

Planting and Growing of Bleeding heart

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Bleeding heart?

Water the Lamprocapnos spectabilis consistently by providing approximately 500ml of water each session. Ensure the soil is moist but never waterlogged, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. This keeps the roots healthy without causing rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Bleeding heart? ›

What should I do if my Bleeding heart is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Bleeding heart? ›

How to save an overwatered Bleeding heart? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bleeding heart?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3-5 hours of sunlight

Partial shade, providing the benefits of vibrant foliage and prolonged blooming periods, ensures that Lamprocapnos spectabilis thrives with healthy growth patterns and color vibrancy.

What is the ideal lighting environment? ›

How to achieve the ideal lighting conditions? ›

What benefits arise from ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Bleeding heart?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Lamprocapnos spectabilis, also known as the bleeding heart plant, falls between 60°F and 75°F. This range provides the right amount of warmth for its growth while avoiding the stress conditions that might arise from temperatures that are either too low or too high. Maintaining this temperature range helps in sustaining optimal photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and overall plant health.

What Soil is Best for Bleeding heart?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lamprocapnos spectabilis thrives in well-drained soil because it prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensuring the soil drains well improves root health and supports the plant's lush growth. This plant benefits from a soil rich in organic matter, which provides essential nutrients required for its vivid flowering. A fertile substrate enhances its overall vigor and blooming potential. While the soil needs to be well-drained, retaining some moisture is crucial to prevent the plant from drying out. Consistent moisture levels help maintain its lush foliage and vibrant blossoms.

How to Fertilize Bleeding heart?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Lamprocapnos spectabilis, applying a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is recommended. Apply approximately 1 liter per plant during the growing season to ensure healthy growth without overwhelming the roots.

How to Prune Bleeding heart?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

In early spring, just as new growth begins, cut back the plant to just above the ground level. This encourages lush new growth and prepares the plant for the blooming season. After the blooming season, remove spent flowers and any yellowing leaves to direct energy back into healthy growth and prepare the plant for the next cycle.

How to Propagate Bleeding heart plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Spring, Late spring

Before propagation, ensure the mother plant is healthy and free from diseases. If using division propagation, water the plant well the day before to reduce stress during the division process.

Dig up the plant carefully, and gently separate its roots by hand or with pruning shears. Each divided section should contain roots and shoots to ensure they can establish as independent plants. Replant divisions promptly in suitable soil.

Select healthy root sections during the dormant season, cut them into 5-10cm segments, and plant them in containers filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the root cuttings warm and moist until they develop shoots.

How to Repot Bleeding heart plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lamprocapnos spectabilis should be repotted in spring when you observe signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant not thriving as expected. It’s important to choose this time because the plant is in its active growth phase, making it more resilient to the changes associated with repotting.

Select a new pot that is one size larger than the current one, with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The right pot size ensures that the roots have enough room to expand and the soil can dry out between waterings, reducing the risk of root rot.

Use a well-draining potting mix composed of garden soil, peat, and perlite. Such a mixture facilitates adequate drainage and aeration, which is crucial for preventing waterlogged roots and promoting healthy growth.

Toxicity of Bleeding heart

Is Bleeding heart toxic to humans?

Bleeding hearts can exhibit mild toxicity upon contact and moderate to severe toxicity when ingested. Every part of this plant is infused with a variety of isoquinolone alkaloids. For individuals who touch the plant, these compounds can lead to mild contact dermatitis, presenting symptoms like redness, itchiness, and skin swelling. If ingested, these same compounds can lead to severe illness, potentially resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, and impaired breathing. Despite their hazardous nature, bleeding hearts are favored as ornamental plants, prompting gardeners to exercise caution and wear gloves during handling. Fortunately, the plant has nearly no edible look-alikes, making incidents of human ingestion quite rare.

Is Bleeding heart toxic to cat?

The bleeding heart plant poses a toxicity risk to cats. If a cat inadvertently consumes any part of the bleeding heart, it can lead to poisoning since all portions of this plant are harmful. Following ingestion, cats may display symptoms of physical discomfort and distress. To reduce these hazards, cat owners must ensure that bleeding heart is stored securely away from their pets and remain alert for any abnormal behavior. Should there be a suspicion that a cat has ingested bleeding heart, it is crucial to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to safeguard the feline's health and well-being.

Is Bleeding heart toxic to dog?

Bleeding heart is recognized as a toxic species harmful to dogs. If dogs consume any portion of this plant, they risk poisoning, as every part is deemed toxic. Ingesting even minor quantities of bleeding heart can lead to various symptoms, which may encompass vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, and irregular heart rate. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to remain watchful and restrict their pets from entering areas where bleeding heart grows to prevent accidental ingestion. Should a dog ingest any part of the bleeding heart plant, it is vital to pursue immediate veterinary assistance to safeguard the pet's health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.