Your garden is not complete until you have planted a bleeding heart. This beautiful flower can add a touch of elegance to any garden and it is very easy to grow. In this article, we will discuss fertilizing bleeding hearts and provide you with a feeding guide so that your plants can thrive!
What is Bleeding Heart?
The bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a perennial flower that grows from a creeping rhizome. It has fern-like leaves and heart-shaped pink to white flowers. The plant grows in USDA hardiness zones two through nine.
The bleeding heart vine is often grown as an ornamental plant for its delicate flowers, which bloom in late spring or early summer.
The scientific name Dicentra comes from the Greek words diktyon meaning “twisted” and kentron meaning “sting”, possibly referring to the sharp petioles of the leaves. Spectabilis is Latin for “showy”.
What are the best conditions for Bleeding Heart growth?
Bleeding heart plants do best in rich, moist soil that is well-drained. They prefer partial shade to full sun but can tolerate a range of light conditions. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting to ensure good drainage and nutrient retention.
Which NPK ratio choose for Bleeding Heart?
There are many NPK ratios available on the market, but which one is the best for Bleeding Heart? The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the size and age of your plant, as well as the type of soil you have. In most cases, a balanced NPK ratio (such as 12-12-12) will be ideal for Bleeding Heart plants. However, if your plant is young or growing in nutrient-poor soil, you may need to use a higher nitrogen content fertilizer (such as 15-30-15). Conversely, if your plant is mature or growing in rich soil, you can safely use a lower nitrogen content fertilizer (such as 11-0-22).
When and How to fertilize Bleeding Heart?
The best time to fertilize a bleeding heart is in the early spring before new growth appears. However, you can also fertilize it in the summer if it’s not blooming. In terms of how much fertilizer to use, follow the instructions on the product label. Generally speaking, dilute liquid fertilizers at a rate of one teaspoon per gallon of water and then apply this mixture around the base of the plants.
If you are using a granular fertilizer, scatter it evenly over the soil surface and then water it in well. Be careful not to over-fertilize bleeding heart as too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but few flowers.