My bleeding heart luxuriant leaves are starting to turn black. Online research isn't very clear as to why this is happening? Thanks!

Hi, Pat.

Dicentra don't seem to be very disease-prone, so I'd think yours is probably just taking a dormancy break. They're geared to sleep through the hottest part of summer, and since yours is in a container its soil is probably even warmer than one would be planted in the ground and mulched. You might want to reduce watering during this time since the plant isn't actively growing. Rot is the other possibility, though it appears your potted plant(s) were healthy earlier in the season.


My in-ground plants have been dormant for quite some time now. They don't get any supplemental water, so when conditions aren't to their liking they disappear until favorable conditions return.

I agree with Chelle, I think now that we're into mid summer the plant is dying back to enter it's dormancy period.

Ahh, ok will reduce watering. I love bleeding hearts, but the luxuriant seems to be becoming my favorite, so I watch it extra closely Thank you so much for your help!

You're welcome, Pat.

Luxuriant Bleeding Heart doesn't act like the old fashion bleeding heart. It doesn't normally go dormant in the summer. You would also notice a difference in root makeup, if you could compare them. Even if it did go dormant, leaves would turn yellow (or yellow first), not black. Even though Luxuriant should continue (at least with foliage) throughout the summer, it doesn't like the heat and humidity. I think chelle is on the right track when she mentions a root malidy, either the soil getting too warm and encouraging rot, or too much water. They need good drainage, especially if the plant is growing slowly (or not at all).