There are four main kinds of bleeding hearts. By far the largest group are dwarf, shade-loving, North American native wildflowers, often with dainty, silvery-green or blue-green foliage and flowers in red or pink shades, and white. There is also a group of similar varieties that appreciate more sun.
The plants in the small third group are taller and more elegant, and with more dramatic foliage, while a small and rarely seen fourth group of climbing varieties has yellow flowers.
Many make effective ground cover in shade but, in especially hot summers, bleeding hearts tend to fade away and die back after flowering. Neighbouring plants usually spread out into their space during summer. Bleeding hearts can be bought from nurseries and garden centres, with a wide range also available by mail order.
North American natives
Most bleeding hearts are North American native wildflowers that are ideal in the shade garden where their prettily divided foliage sets off the red, pink or white lockets perfectly. Some of these stay neat and compact, making steadily spreading clumps, while some spread more quickly and make good weed-suppressing ground cover without ever becoming invasive.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters