Description

The Pacific bleeding heart offers an elegant display in its moist woodland habitats. The finely dissected leaves arise from a spreading tuber to form a dense clump in bright green. The pendent, heart-shaped flowers rise above the leaves in spring. In the Santa Cruz Mountains bleeding hearts benefit from the summer fog drip. Moderate watering is helpful in the garden, as is protective shade in proportion to the heat of summer. On the Pacific side of the Santa Cruz Mountains one finds bleeding heart in full sun. More shade is required on the valley side. Pacific bleeding heart will go semi-dormant in the summer regardless of the moisture level. New growth appears with the cool of autumn.