Faeries lurk under the beautiful, old fashioned perennial called Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis). This long time garden favorite was brought to the West by famed Victorian plant collector, Robert Fortune. When the Royal Horticultural Society sent him to Chine in 1846, the plant was introduced to England and quickly gained popularity.

From late April til June, the 24" - 36" plants bare delicate blooms that dangle from arching stems. the flowers resemble  dark pink or white hearts with smaller petals below the heart.

The beautifully lobed foliage remains green in northern climates if kept moist through the summer months. Unfortunately, in warm areas, the foliage begins to yellow after blooming time. But this lovely perennial is well worth it.

Bleeding hearts prefer shade and rich, moist well drained soil. It does well in clay in either mildly acidic or mildly alkaline soil.

Bleeding hearts can be purchased boxed or bare root in their dormant state from garden shops or catalogues. Garden centers offer the plant in spring while they are in bloom or about to bloom. Choose a healthy, thick plant. Check the hole at the bottom of the pot to make sure the roots have not be overcrowded. If you want, wait until the plants are just past their peak bloom, you may find them at a discounted price.

This is not a good perennial to divide or transplant in spring. However, I've dug up a small clump, separated it from the larger area in winter while the plant was dormant. A new Bleeding Heart grew up in its new garden and the old one was none the worse for the wear.

Dwarf Ever-blooming Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) is a smaller version of the Bleeding Heart and only 12" - 15" tall. As the name suggests, this variety will continue to bloom through the summer if the spent blossoms are removed and the plant is kept moist.

King of Hearts is a pink flowering, sun tolerant version.

Aurora bears white flowers above grey-green foliage.

Luxuriant's flowers are bright red.

Bacchanal features rose red flowers.

The dwarf varieties do not display the perfectly shaped little hearts like the larger plants.

An old story centered around Bleeding Hear features a prince and princess. The prince is in love with the princess and brings her many gifts which are illustrated during the telling of the tale by taking a Bleeding Heart flower apart. In the end, of course, the prince kills himself and the princess feels guilty.

Bleeding Heart has long been associated with Christianity. The flower is known as the Bleeding Heart of Mary as well as the Bleeding Heart of Jesus (which shows you that Jesus was a liberal).