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TAG: Gardening Advice by Christina
14
May
If you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that's great for filling a space, adding colour and gives the wildlife somewhere to hide under. Then I highly recommend the bleeding heart plant.
Bleeding heart is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial flower that is perfect for any garden. It is known for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. Bleeding hearts are relatively drought-tolerant and don't require a lot of fertilizer, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
Bleeding hearts prefer partial shade, but they can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To plant a bleeding heart, simply dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and water well.
Bleeding hearts are best planted in spring just after frosts have finished.
Bleeding hearts do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light application of balanced fertiliser in the spring. You can also apply a layer of compost or aged manure around the base of the plant each year.
I let my garden take care of it's self, I leave dying plants to rot down and feed the soil. This means I haven't had to add fertilisers to my garden.
Bleeding hearts can be divided and transplanted every few years. The best time to divide and transplant is in the autumn, after the plant has gone dormant. To divide the plant, simply dig it up and carefully separate the roots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil and water well. Be careful with the roots as they can be brittle and break easily, which can kill the plant.
Bleeding hearts are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and slugs. If you have a good balance of bugs in your garden this will help to control the bugs you may not want.
Deadheading is not necessary for bleeding hearts, but it can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. To deadhead, simply remove spent blooms from the plant.
Bleeding hearts die back over winter, which is usually enough to protect them here in Suffolk.
Dicentra Spectabilis is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial flower that is perfect for any garden. With a little care and attention, your bleeding heart will thrive for many years to come.
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