If you love the look of delicate, heart-shaped flowers, you might be wondering: do bleeding hearts bloom all summer? The simple answer is that most traditional types do not, but with smart plant choices and care, you can enjoy their unique charm for much of the warm season. Understanding their natural rhythm is key to getting the most flowers.
These perennials are often one of spring’s first stars. They burst into bloom when the weather is cool and often fade as the heat arrives. But don’t worry! This guide will show you how to extend their show and introduce you to varieties that keep going longer.
Do Bleeding Hearts Bloom All Summer
Most common bleeding hearts, like the classic Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), are spring ephemerals. This means they put on a breathtaking display in spring and then their foliage yellows and dies back in mid-summer. They go dormant to escape the heat. So, for these types, the answer is no—they don’t bloom all summer. However, other species and newer cultivars have different habits.
Understanding the Bloom Cycle
To work with your plants, you need to know what triggers their growth and rest.
- Spring Bloomers: These rely on energy stored in their roots from the previous year. They flower profusely in cool conditions.
- Summer Dormancy: Once temperatures consistently rise above 75–80°F (24–27°C), the plant signals it’s time to rest. The foliage dies back completely.
- Fall Regrowth: Sometimes, if the summer is mild, you may see a small flush of new leaves in the fall, though rarely flowers.
Varieties for Longer Bloom Time
Choosing the right plant makes all the difference. Here are top picks for extended color.
1. Fern-leaf Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
This native North American species is a champion for longer bloom. It forms tidy mounds of fern-like foliage and sends up clusters of smaller pink or white hearts. It’s not a spring ephemeral and will often bloom from late spring into early fall, especially if you keep it deadheaded.
2. Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)
Similar to D. eximia, this West Coast native offers a prolonged flowering period. It’s excellent for woodland gardens and can rebloom reliably with proper care.
3. ‘Luxuriant’ Bleeding Heart
This is a superb hybrid cultivar. It’s known for its exceptional heat tolerance and long blooming season, typically from May through September in many zones. It produces cherry-red flowers over blue-green foliage.
4. ‘King of Hearts’ Bleeding Heart
A compact, tough hybrid. It blooms heavily in spring and, with consistent moisture, will often continue sending up flowers sporadically throughout the summer months. It’s more resistant to summer dormancy.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Your gardening practices have a huge impact on flowering duration. Follow these steps.
- Plant in the Right Spot: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Full shade is okay, but may reduce blooms. In cooler climates, they can handle more sun.
- Provide Excellent Soil: They need moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend clay or sandy soil with compost before planting.
- Water Consistently: Never let them dry out completely, especially during spring growth and flowering. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Feed Gently: Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves over flowers.
- Deadhead Religiously: This is the most important task! As flower stalks finish, snip them off at the base. This prevents seed production and signals the plant to make more flowers instead.
- Cut Back Strategically: For varieties like D. eximia, if blooming slows in peak summer heat, give the plant a light trim (by about one-third) to encourage fresh growth and a fall bloom flush.
What to Do When They Go Dormant
If your classic bleeding heart dies back in summer, don’t panic! It’s normal.
- Mark the spot so you don’t accidentally dig there.
- You can gently remove the dried foliage once it’s yellow.
- Plant summer-blooming companions nearby to fill the gap. Hostas, ferns, astilbes, or late-season perennials work perfectly.
- Do not water the dormant area excessively, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Common Problems That Stop Blooms
If your plant isn’t flowering well, check these issues.
- Too Much Sun/Heat: Causes early dormancy and scorched leaves.
- Poor Drainage: Soggy soil leads to root rot, which kills the plant.
- Overcrowding: Mature clumps may need dividing every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate them.
- Pests: Slugs and snails can munch on new growth. Use organic controls like beer traps or iron phosphate bait.
Seasonal Care Checklist
Spring
- Clear away old mulch as new growth appears.
- Apply slow-release fertilizer.
- Ensure soil is consistently moist.
- Begin deadheading as soon as first flowers fade.
Summer
- Continue watering during dry spells.
- Keep up with deadheading.
- Trim back fern-leaf types if they look tired.
- Accept dormancy for traditional types and plant companions.
Fall
- Cut back any remaining foliage after it dies back from frost.
- Apply a fresh layer of mulch after the ground cools to protect roots over winter.
- This is a good time to divide overcrowded clumps, if needed.
Winter
No action needed. The plant is safely dormant underground.
FAQ: Bleeding Heart Blooming Questions
Q: Is there a bleeding heart that blooms all summer?
A: While no variety is guarantee to bloom non-stop from June through August in all climates, cultivars like ‘Luxuriant’ and species like Dicentra eximia come very close. They bloom from late spring through early fall with proper care.
Q: Why did my bleeding heart stop flowering in July?
A> It’s likely entering its natural dormancy due to heat. This is standard for old-fashioned types. Ensure you’ve chosen a long-blooming variety if you want summer flowers.
Q: Can I grow bleeding hearts in full sun?
A: In cool, northern climates, they might tolerate it with ample water. But in most areas, full sun will stress the plant, shorten bloom time, and trigger early dormancy. Dappled or afternoon shade is best.
Q: Should I cut back bleeding hearts after they bloom?
A> For spring-only types, you can cut back the yellowing foliage. For repeat-bloomers, deadhead spent flowers and only give a light trim in mid-summer to encourage fall blooms.
Q: How often should I water them?
A: Deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather. The goal is consistently moist (not wet) soil. Mulch is essential to maintain moisture.
By selecting the right variety and providing thoughtful care, you can significantly extend the blooming period of these enchanting plants. While the classic pink and white hearts may be a spring farewell, others are ready to carry the show into the warm months, bringing their graceful beauty to your garden for a much longer season.