Rough draft 9/1/2021
Intro
The bleeding heart flower was given its name because of the remarkable appearance of its flower. The petals are shaped like little hearts lined up in a row that have a smaller drop of a bottom part that almost looks like a tear or a drop of blood that is connected from the heart-petal. The heart shaped petals vary in three colors, white, deep pink, and red. Pink tends to be the most common color. It’s been said that this is the oldest plant still in cultivation. This plant is also a perennial. Although their leaves and petals die back in the winter usually at the first sign of frost, their roots survive through winter months and come back every spring.
Watering for Flowers
After blooming in the spring the plant will drop during the hot summer months especially if there is hot direct sunlight on them.. The bleeding heart needs rich well draining soil. It enjoys growing in damp soil but not sitting in water and keeps it from having any type of waterlogged conditions .Woodland shade is a prime spot of where this plant can thrive. Although their leaves and petals die back in the winter usually at the first sign of frost, their roots survive through winter months and the shoots of foliage and blooms come back every spring. Hostas are a great companion plant that also loves and thrives in shade.
Size, Heat and Summer Months
The plants will grow two to four feet tall and will spread one to two feet in width. They are non-aggressive, and even some plants will self-seed in very moist areas. The spring is really the ideal time to enjoy this plant because the bleeding hearts are really blooming in their prime. As the heat of the summer approaches the flowers drop and the foliage can turn yellow or brown. To keep the plant from being an eyesore feel free to cut the dead looking foliage without disturbing the roots.
Conclusion
Many are surprised how easy it is to grow this uniquely flowering plant. Bleeding hearts are another shade-loving plant that attracts hummingbirds, although these perennials can grow quite large. Once you plant a bleeding heart, the enjoyment from the bright flowers in a shady spot or shady garden is beautiful for years to come.
Resource links
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-bleeding-heart-plants-1402834
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/life-cycle-bleeding-heart-plant-69907.html