Last year a volunteer bleeding heart came up in between the patio and the house. I have other bleeding hearts at North side of the house (where they get shade) and at the very corner of the house (where it grows under the ferns and gets shade). This one sat smack dab out in full sun and was as happy as a lark all summer. Granted, we didn't have many really hot days (it was the spring that never ended that blended into the Fall that wouldn't quit), but most bleeding hearts that I've seen suffer horribly in full sun.
Naturally, I forgot all about it this year. When I bought my first batch of roses this spring, it was in April. I got two roses (Scentimental and Helen Hayes - strange combo I know, but that bed is reds on the left and yellows on the right) specifically for between the house and the patio, which is where I planted them. Over the last 3 weeks, the bleeding heart has grown, and grown, and grown some more. It is really stupid when a 2 year old plant gets larger than your 5 year old plants! Thsi sucker was already over two feet tall and had a spread of just under 3 feet. It was growing right in front of the two roses, completely shading them out.
It shaded them out so completely, that the leaves that had been breaking didn't get any bigger. So, on Sunday, I ripped the bleeding heart out. I broke it into 2 sections (not by choice) and placed them in pots. A third of the humongous root was still in the ground and I got that out last night. I will keep the potted plants watered and see if they live (they are looking sort of sad right now); if they live I have to decide whether to relocate them or give them away.
The 1/3 root I planted in a shade garden over by the oil tank. I'm sure it will put out growth next year. The question is, will it thrive like it did in full sun, or is it a mutant that doesn't like shade?
Oh yeah, I don't think I got all the root, so I will probably be going thru this again in another year or two - I think I see more plant give-aways in my future.
All three will probably live since that stock has abundantly shown its will to live. Bleeding hearts are among my favorite plants. My Grandmother H always had them on the north side of her front porch (both houses in which she lived during the overlap in our lives). I've planted several around here--in the shade. About 1/2 of them didn't thrive. The other 1/2 are not well placed as I had a different "planting plan" when I put them out than has since evolved. Still, I love their dainty blossoms each spring. Large, the plants don't get, though.
Posted by: Cop Car | June 13, 2007 at 08:54 AM
oh how i'd love to be your neighbour!
Posted by: bod | June 20, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Heck....I'd have moved the roses! lol
I have one bleeding heart that was incredibly healthy this year. I weeded around it to make sure that it got enough sunlight. It's at the end of the driveway bed in dappled shade.
I have delayed reparing the walkway in my herb garden because of all the volunteers. I was describing it to my sister today. There's feverfew, lemon balm, English thyme, Lamb's ears, ox-eye daisies, weeds, and lots of red poppies. Soon, I'll be able to rip out spent plants or move some things, so I let the freebies go for the spring.
I hope all of your bleeding heart returns!
Posted by: buffy | June 21, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Buffy - If I had planted the Bh (or didn't have 5-6 others), it would be one thing. Plus, I need something there that will discourage the cats from using that area as a litter box - especially in the winter - and the roses fit that bill.
Posted by: Bogie | June 26, 2007 at 04:19 AM
I had two, one died immediately after planting, the other lasted two years.
I love bleeding hearts. I will try again someday.
Posted by: Susan | June 26, 2007 at 08:05 AM