Additional Information about Dicentra eximia

Dicentra eximia is a cornerstone of our American eastern woodland garden in the spring. It can be recognized by its delicate, feathery foliage and pink heart-shaped flowers. The blooms first appear in the spring but in cooler climates, they continue their show sporadically throughout summer. Growing about 15” tall and up to 24” wide, wild bleeding heart fills a midseason color gap when the woodland generally waits for the next wave of blooms. Though not a true ephemeral, Dicentra eximia's foliage often disappears by mid-summer in hotter climates.

Despite the garden popularity of this native woodland wildflower, Dicentra eximia is actually endangered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its native habitat is largely the woodlands of the Appalachian mountain range, often found on slopes and rocky outcrops. Wild bleeding heart grows best in filtered shade or part sun in moist well-drained soil. When placed in a good location, it will happily self-sow.

In the moderately rich and well-drained soils of our shade trial gardens, Dicentra eximia persists through self-sowing, though not aggressively. We love how it rambles through the garden, naturalizing and providing color after Phlox divaricata and Aquilegia canadensis have ended their show. Good soil drainage is key to this plant’s happiness and it thrives in wildflower gardens and rock gardens in the shade. Wild bleeding heart provides nectar to long-tongued bumblebees and hummingbirds. 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Dicentra eximia

This perennial prefers a partially shaded site and well-drained soil. Wet soils during the winter and dry soils during the summer lead to plant loss. The foliage of fringed bleeding heart will not die back like that of old fashioned bleeding heart. Great naturalizer in shady rock gardens. Easily self sows where happy. To propogate by seed, sow in late summer. Division of the fibrous root system can be done in the spring every 3-4 years.