| I received a 'dormant' dwarf bleeding heart root, which actually has some little green shoots coming out. What I need to know is how deep to plant it. Do I plant the crown under ground, with just the green tips above ground? Or should the crown be above ground too? (I hope I'm using the term 'crown' correctly. I'm referring to the bunch of inch-long light brown 'buds' from which the green shoots are emerging.) Thanks for your help! |
| Dicentra, or Bleeding Heart, is a lovely plant with feathery fern-like foliage and delightful little heart shaped flowers. Plant the bulblike roots now (in early spring) 2"-3" deep in rich, light, moist soil, in a shady garden spot. The sprouts you see are new stems and they will be fine if buried under an inch or two of soil. Water regularly, but don't allow water to collect and stand over the root area. To assure good drainage, mix some organic matter into the soil prior to planting. You can expect your bleeding heart to grow 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall. The stems are tender and may need support. I tie mine to slender bamboo stakes to keep them upright. The stems and foliage will die down to the ground when blooming stops, but the roots will remain, sending up new stems and foliage the following spring. |
