If you’re looking for the most unique flower you can gift, bleeding hearts flowers will be one of your top options. With their heart-shaped flowers, these can be the perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts for your lover.
Careful, though, as these can have a negative connotation depending on the culture of the recipient.
Find out all the meanings of bleeding heart flowers in this guide, and make your next flower gift both unique and meaningful!
How did the bleeding heart flower get its name?
The bleeding heart flower’s old genus name, Dicentra, is derived from the Greek words “di,” meaning two, and “kentron,” meaning spur. Its species name, “spectabilis,” means spectacular.
Currently, the flower is named Lamprocapnos spectabilis, which directly translates to “spectacular shining smoke.”
What is the botanical origin of the bleeding heart flower?
The bleeding heart flower is a flowering plant native to Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the Papaveraceae family and is the sole species in the Lamprocapnos genus.
The flower was previously classified as a species of the Dicentra genus. Later on, it was moved to the Lamprocapnos because taxonomists noticed it was not a climbing plant like the other Dicentra plants.
If you’re interested in growing them in your backyard, here are frequently asked questions about their care requirements:
Where do bleeding heart flowers grow?
Bleeding heart flowers used to only grow in woodlands and rocky crevices in the mountains in East Asian countries like China, Korea, and Japan. However, they can now be found growing in different countries worldwide.
They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 but can still grow well in other zones.
Do bleeding heart flowers require lots of maintenance?
Bleeding heart flowers don’t normally require lots of maintenance. They’re relatively low-maintenance plants that are not prone to pests and diseases and can survive with just regular watering and partial shade.
Do bleeding heart flowers need shade or sun?
Bleeding heart flowers grow best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if grown in cool climates. The afternoon sun in tropical countries can be too hot for the plants and may scorch the flowers.
When do bleeding heart flowers bloom?
Bleeding heart flowers normally bloom in late spring until early fall. In tropical countries, though, they will typically stop blooming in summer and bloom again in late summer or early fall.
What kind of soil do bleeding heart flowers prefer?
A well-draining, humus-rich soil mix is best for bleeding heart flowers. They typically prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, around the 6 to 7 range, so monitor the soil’s pH.
When is the best time to plant bleeding heart flowers?
Bleeding heart flowers are best planted in early spring once the soil has started to warm up. Planting in early spring allows them to have an established root system before summer comes.
You can also plant them in the fall, but make sure winter is still several weeks away to give the flower time to root.
What do bleeding heart flowers mean?
Bleeding heart flowers carry both positive and negative symbolism.
Many view bleeding hearts as representations of strong love, passion, and respect. But others also see them as symbols of heartbreak and unrequited love.
The flower’s specific meaning will depend on its color and the culture of the recipient.
What do the colors of bleeding heart flowers mean?
What did the bleeding heart symbolize during the Victorian Era?
During Queen Victoria’s reign in England, bleeding heart flowers stood as symbols of strong romantic love. They were often given by men or women to the person they love to express their feelings.
Today, in modern England, some still view flowers as symbols of love and use them as gifts to their lovers. Some also use them to create unique yet meaningful flower arrangements for their wedding.
What are the cultural associations of the bleeding heart flower?
What are the uses of the bleeding heart flower?
With their unique and stunning appearance, bleeding heart flowers can be used as beautiful garden displays or indoor ornamentals. Aside from that, they were also used to treat various illnesses in the past.
Can bleeding heart flowers be used in medicine?
Bleeding heart flowers can be used to treat skin disorders and insect bites. The roots were also used as mild stimulants and relaxants to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, dizziness, and insomnia.
Do note, though, that these flowers are highly toxic, so one wrong use can be dangerous. Always consult with trained medical professionals before consuming anything made of bleeding flowers or using it to treat any sickness.
How can bleeding heart flowers be used in gardening?
One way to use bleeding hearts in gardening is planting them alongside other shade-loving plants in your home’s shaded garden beds. Another is by planting them in containers for your indoor garden.
They prefer their soil to be consistently moist but can be sensitive to soggy and waterlogged soils. If you’re planting them in containers, make sure the container has drainage holes and that you use well-draining soil.
Once they bloom in spring, you can harvest them and gift them to your loved ones or place them in decorative vases for your home.
