The plant I’m highlighting for February is the Pacific Bleeding Heart, also referred to as Western Bleeding Heart. I love the delicate look to this hardy perennial. I’m also a sucker for most things purple. It is one of my favorite spring flowers.
Soon it’s foliage should start emerging. Typically April and in to May are when we see the flowers in bloom.
Where it Grows
Around our house the bleeding heart grows near the shade of the fir trees, nestled among all the other spring greens. We don’t have any right near our house, which gets quite a bit of sun. The Pacific Bleeding Heart can be found from British Columbia south into California.
Naturalization
This plant spreads by rhizomes creating naturalized areas. In our area there seems to be a good balance of these beauty’s. They are not aggressively taking over, nor are they scarce.
The Leaves
There is quite a bit of lacy foliage per plant.
Birds & the Bees
Here is a bee visiting a bit weathered bleeding heart. Hummingbirds & butterfly larvae also enjoy this plant. Deer don’t tend to eat them.
The Seed
The seed pod shoots out from the heart shaped flower.
Inside the pod are the tiny seeds. Often times ants will distribute the seeds while enjoying the fatty, jelly like goo on the seeds.
Just Lovely
