Valentine Bleeding Heart
Valentine Bleeding Heart
Cherry-Red Hearts on Burgundy Stems for the Shade Garden
Valentine Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Valentine') is a bold, modern twist on the beloved classic — deep cherry-red, heart-shaped blooms dangling from striking burgundy-red stems above blue-green foliage. Blooming in mid to late spring, it brings romance and rich color to shaded beds just as the garden wakes up. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a standout for woodland and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Valentine Bleeding Heart Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Valentine' |
| Mature Size | 24–30 in. tall, 24–30 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | Cherry-red hearts on burgundy stems |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Blue-green; often goes summer-dormant in heat |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Spring shade gardens: A graceful early focal point under trees and along shaded foundations. Space 24–30 inches apart.
Woodland borders: Pair with later-emerging plants like hostas and ferns that fill in as the bleeding heart goes dormant in summer heat. Lovely with astilbe and brunnera.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Valentine Bleeding Heart
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 24–30 inches apart.
Watering Valentine Bleeding Heart
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture in spring; once it goes summer-dormant it needs little water until it returns the next spring.
Q: Why does the foliage disappear in summer?
Bleeding heart naturally goes dormant in summer heat — that's normal, not a problem. Plant companions nearby to fill the gap.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, returning reliably each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse it.
Q: How is it different from old-fashioned bleeding heart?
'Valentine' has redder flowers and dark burgundy stems, for a bolder look than the classic pink.
You May Also Like
Gold Heart Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos): Pink hearts over glowing gold foliage.
Hosta: A bold-leaved companion that fills in as bleeding heart goes dormant.
Astilbe: Plumed flowers for continued color in the shade.
How Many Valentine Bleeding Heart Do I Need?
Bleeding heart makes its biggest impression in small drifts rather than as single dots. At its mature 24–30 in. spread, plant in groups of 3–5 spaced 24–30 in. apart for a full, romantic spring show under trees. For a quick guide along a shaded run:
| Bed Run | Plants Needed (at 27 in.) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 2–3 |
| 10 ft | 4–5 |
| 15 ft | 6–7 |
| 20 ft | 8–9 |
Valentine Bleeding Heart Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Burgundy-red stems push up fast in April, hung with cherry-red, heart-shaped flowers in mid to late spring — one of the first big shows in the shade garden.
- Summer: Blooms fade and the blue-green foliage often goes dormant in heat, leaving a gap that nearby ferns and brunnera fill.
- Fall: Largely dormant; the surrounding shade companions carry the bed.
- Winter: Fully dormant below ground, returning reliably to -30°F.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Gold Heart Bleeding Heart — a sister bleeding heart with glowing gold foliage and pink hearts.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silver fronds fill the summer gap when bleeding heart goes dormant.
- Jack Frost Brunnera — frosted silver leaves and blue spring flowers echo the woodland feel.
- Montgomery Astilbe — red summer plumes keep color going in the same moist shade.
Is Valentine Bleeding Heart Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in part to full shade with rich, moist, well-drained soil — think the north or east side of the house or under high-branched trees. Pair it with later-emerging companions so the bed doesn't look bare once it rests. Not a fit if your spot bakes in hot afternoon sun or stays bone-dry, where the foliage scorches and disappears early.