One of my favorite things I enjoy the most during warmer weather is to go walking in the neighborhood, the trails or in the woods.The few times I enrolled myself in a gym, I hardly kept up the routine, I think some of us are just born that way, “free spirits” that can’t be tamed amidst sweaty bodies that run frantically on tread mills or bike on stationary bikes like it would go out of fashion. No offense to anyone, it is just the way we are made, I feel more alive amidst the trees than I would ever feel in a gym. Like they say whatever feeds your soul go do it!
This morning as I was walking in the neighborhood, I spotted these Bleeding heart flowers, gentle and shy growing tenderly around a large tree completely umbrella’d with its shade on moist ground. They looked so pretty against the green grass that I had to take a picture and learn more about them on the net by googling info on how to grow them, the varieties they come in, the different colors etc and save it for posterity, for myself as I have taken it on myself to learn more about the birds and the flowers that show up in this season. So here is the latest addition to my blog post collection of Spring blooms this season.
For me they have always looked like Drop Earrings, and many a time I have been so tempted to pick one up and deck my earlobe with them.How pretty they looked against the morning sunlight !
The inspiration behind this blog post was the above picture of the Bleeding Heart flowers, I took this morning on my walk.
Did you know that these Bleeding Heart flowers are one of the most beautiful perennials to grow in shaded moist parts of your garden? They are named so because of the unusual shape of their flowers which is supposed to resemble a bleeding heart. The Botanical name is Dicentra Spectablis, and they are one of the most popular perennials for shaded garden areas.
Where to grow them?
This delicate looking perennial plant has its origins in China and Korea and was introduced to Europe in 1847. The plants reach a height of 30 to 32 inches and produce their beautiful flowers in the spring.
These plants grow well in lightly shaded parts of the garden in front of trees and shrubs.The soil should be humus rich and not too heavy or dry. Soggy or waterlogged soil does not suit them.
Companion plants to grow with Bleeding Heart Plants :
Ideal companions are other shade tolerant perennials like Primulas, Aquilegias, Epimediums, Ferns or Hostas.
It is not only the flowers that make these plants so valuable for your shaded garden areas. The beautifully cut foliage enhances and sets off the flowers and adds additional interest to the garden.
Propagation of Bleeding Heart Plants :
There are several ways to propagate bleeding heart plants.
- Seeds: you can sow the seed either in the ground or in seed trays. This is the preferred method if you require a lot of plants.
- Cuttings: take some cuttings in the spring when the plant starts to sprout or take of side shoots after the flowers have wilted away.
- Division: divide older, established plants while they are dormant. Replant them in the garden or grow them on in pots.
How to Transplant Bleeding Heart Plants :
Dicentra plants don’t particularly like to be disturbed and can easily stay in the same place for over a decade without being split.
If you have to transplant bleeding heart perennials do it when the plants are dormant. Very early spring before the plants start growing again might be the best time.
Lift up the plant and divide the rootstock into several pieces. Add plenty of well rotten garden compost to the soil an replant the roots.
Water the plants in well to settle the soil around the roots.
Bleeding Heart Varieties :
White Bleeding Heart :A white bleeding heart with pure white flowers. This variety is not as vigorous as the pink one but it is very attractive in front of a dark background.
Dutchman’s Breeches : This one reaches only about 8 inches in height. The flowers are white with a yellow or lavender tip and appear from April to May. The plant dies back shortly after flowering. Dicentra cucullaria is also called ‘Dutchman’s Breeches’.
Blue Heron’ stands out from the other blue Blue Bleeding Hearts by having very large, sapphire blue flowers over lovely blue green dissected foliage.
Yellow Bleeding Hearts : Rare yet found amidst Spring gardens
Orange Bleeding Hearts : Another rare find!
That’s “hearts for you” collection from this morning walk’s inspiration. The info about growing them and pictures are collected from the net, unless specified by blog title.
Walk the garden path with me, will you ?
For more of my posts on Spring Blooms, please visit my blogposts on the following links: ( more coming up soon as the season evolves !)
https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/2018/04/21/spring-blooms-narcissus-ice-follies/
https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/2018/04/20/spring-blooms-crocus/
How beautiful 🌼🌼 and nice write up !