Are you a Bleeding Heart lover?

Bloom’n today is the Bleeding Heart Bush.  This beauty grows to be 2 1/2 feet tall and three feet wide, producing pendant pink valentine-shaped flowers along arching stems in May and June.

The Bleeding Heart Bush should be planted in light shade in rich, humusy soil and left undisturbed for many years.  The brittle, fleshy roots break easily and divisions may have difficulty reestablishing themselves.  The ferny foliage tends to die soon in mid to late summer, especially if the plant is in full sun.  Locate it near other plants which will mask the gap left in the border when this happens such as hostas, day lilies, ferns, or annuals.  Bleeding Heart Bushes also make fine rock garden plants.

Once established, the Bleeding Heart needs no maintenance other than an annual top-dressing of compost.  You must plant this in the spring.  To extend the blooming period of the Bleeding Heart, you must pick off the faded flowers.

Until next time,  ta ta.