Features

• Bleeding heart bushes are hardy from USDA zones 2 through 9, giving it a broad range of growing areas. While this plant prefers shade, it will tolerate some sun. Growth is bushy, topping off at about 30 inches in height and width. Give the plant plenty of room and a slightly moist soil. Spring rains normally provide enough moisture to keep this plant thriving.
  
  

Spring

• Spring is the showy season for a bleeding heart. The rest of the year provides the nutrients to support the early garden. Bleeding hearts produce fresh growth yearly. Late April into May, the first leaves and stems emerge. They unfold rapidly, producing a full plant in a few weeks. Feed a standard plant food according to package directions at this time. While exact blooming times vary in different hardiness zones and depending on weather conditions, expect the delicate drooping flowers to decorate your garden in May and June. Long stems are strung with up to a dozen flowers or more on larger plants.
  
  

Summer

• Early summer will bring the drop of the blooms. Seeds can be collected, if desired, and stratified by keeping in the refrigerator for planting next spring. By mid-summer, leaves will yellow and start to drop. Stems will wilt until they lie on the ground. This perennial has a short spring based growing season. It will die back in time to make room for the summer favorites, among them day lilies and gladiolus. Once the foliage has died down, clip it with sharp shears or scissors to tidy up the garden's appearance. Keep the plant watered; mulching can be used to reduce moisture loss during the hot summer days.
  
  

Fall

• Fall care for a bleeding heart requires only the optional usage of mulch. In the colder zones, or if trying to care for a bleeding heart in zone 1, mulch will help protect the roots from the deepest of cold spells.
  
  

Winter

• Winter is another lazy season for the bleeding heart. The plant remains dormant until the very end of winter. Once the winter snows have melted and the days have warmed, the bleeding heart prepares to herald the new growing season. Look for the first shoots to appear as the nights begin to warm as well. At this time, remove the mulch to allow the plant to grow without hindrance.