Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) looks like little pairs of pants turned upside-down.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025, HGIC, Clemson Extension.
What are Bleeding Hearts?
‘Bleeding hearts’ refers to multiple species in the genus Dicentra. Although they have a pretty macabre name, bleeding hearts are a beautiful little plant that will bring a ton of whimsy to your garden.
Their delightfully heart-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors and hang off delicately arched stems. The leaves of this plant are fern-like and lacey and offer ornamental value when the flowers aren’t in bloom.
Where to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Your Garden
These make a great addition to any shaded area, including deep shade, making them a good choice to add some color to a wooded yard.
These plants prefer moist, well-draining soil but are generally low maintenance. They’re resistant to slug and deer damage and have few other pest and disease issues.
Why Bleeding Hearts Are Valuable Native Plants
Along with being pretty, shade-tolerant, and easy to care for plants, bleeding hearts are native to South Carolina and offer benefits to local wildlife.
It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The strangely shaped petals are formed this way to attract certain bee species.
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts
- Native Dicentra spp. are hardy from USDA zones 3a to 8b.
- They need less than 2 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil should be moist and high in organic matter.
- Plants are deer- and rabbit-resistant, but may have aphid issues, so keep an eye out for insect pests.
- Bleeding hearts will readily spread on their own, either by self-seeding or underground rhizomes.
Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) can be found in the SC Piedmont and often has lavender-colored flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025, HGIC, Clemson Extension
Common Bleeding Heart Species and Cultivars
There are many species of bleeding hearts native to both North America and Asia, but there are four species we see more often in South Carolina.
- Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria): This species has a white bloom that is shaped like an upside-down pair of pants.
- Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis): A white flowering species with corn kernel-shaped blooms.
- Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia): Native to the Appalachian Mountains with elongated purple or pink blooms.
- Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa): The most common native species used in landscaping. The flowers can be white, pink, or a deep red, depending on the cultivar.
