Marianne's Response

How to transplant Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

How do I replant a Bleeding Heart from the ground to a planter box? I’m concerned about roots.

Posted by Gloria Fischer on September 17, 2014

Marianne's Response

Bleeding Heart or Dicentra is a woodland plant that is easy to transplant, but you must keep the roots cool and moist. You can cut off the top growth in the fall and dig up the roots with as much soil still around them as possible. It helps to water the plant well the night before, so the soil will stick to the roots. This plant will thrive in a window box only if it is deep (at least 8 inches) and in the shade, as the roots like to be kept cool at all times. A mulch on top of the soil and some extra compost added to the potting soil mix used in the window box will help. Do not fertilize after you transplant. Bleeding Heart is not a liberal feeder and has a conservative need for fertilizer but a liberal need for water. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti