Moving your plants to a new location may not seem like a major issue, but not following how to transplant bleeding hearts can be lethal to their roots.
These perennials are known for their heart-shaped blooms that have never failed to catch people’s attention during spring. However, when the flowers that were supposed to be tinted in pink or white look yellowish and weak, they may need to be transplanted.
Location may not always be the reason why your bleeding hearts are wilting, though. But if you’re dutifully taking care of them and they still haven’t grown properly, the location might really be the issue. Even if you aren’t sure why your bleeding hearts are wilting, transplanting them may reverse or slow down the wilting.
The Proper Way of Transplanting Bleeding Hearts
The location is indeed the biggest concern, but keep in mind that bleeding hearts have sensitive roots, so they don’t like to be disturbed. If you handle them carelessly, they might refuse to grow instead of blooming in the new area.
When is the best time to move bleeding hearts?
There is no rule about when you can move bleeding hearts. Whenever you feel the need to, like when they are not developing in their original area, they can be transplanted. You are also encouraged to cut some stems or divide them in the process.
However, moving them during early spring can minimize stress to their roots, thus increasing their survival chances. Remember to transplant them before the new growth comes because the right timing can benefit their development.
If you have noticed their need to be transplanted after they have barely bloomed in the spring, you still have your chance in fall. This time, move them while they are in dormancy or after they lose their leaves during summer.
Where should you transplant bleeding hearts?
If the right timing can aid in the healthy development of your bleeding hearts, the location, on the other hand, is what makes growth possible in the first place. Make sure that you move them to an area that can provide the ideal conditions they require.
As mentioned before, they don’t like being moved around much, so if the new spot is also not compatible with their growth, then you may have to transplant them again. If you keep on disturbing their roots, they will most likely wither in the end.
The chosen area must have plenty of exposure to light, but not so much during afternoons where the heat may be too intense for their comfort. Therefore, go for a partially shaded spot that can protect them from the harsh sun.
While there is no particular type of soil that is perfect for them, they prefer it loose and rich in organic matter. Bleeding hearts like the ground to stay moist but not too soggy, so it must be able to drain well to keep the moisture moderate.
How to transplant bleeding hearts?
Moving them can be tricky, but it will be worth the risk. For better results, prepare the planting site beforehand. The hole must be double the size of its roots and must be dug before the bleeding heart is removed from its original location.
When digging the plant out, you must keep at least six to twelve inches radius from its base to preserve as much of the root’s mass since they easily get damaged when disturbed. Don’t keep them away from the ground too long, so plant them as soon as possible.
Why Should You Plant Bleeding Hearts in a Greenhouse?
Have you considered planting your bleeding hearts in a greenhouse? A lot of gardeners are curious about greenhouse gardening but are hesitant to try because they think it’s too expensive to buy or build. But there are more affordable options available, such as mini greenhouses. They’re smaller, but they provide the same benefits as regular greenhouses offer.
If you’re still on the fence, here are several reasons why you should plant your bleeding hearts in a greenhouse:
Greenhouses keep pests away
Animals and harmful pests such as aphids, thrips, deer, moles, and more, would love to munch on your flowers, leaves, and fruits. These critters are persistent, and some of them are hard to spot. Since prevention is always better than cure, placing your plants inside a greenhouse and adding screens and traps can reduce the risk of pest infestations.
Greenhouses are great for starting seeds
Greenhouses are great for starting seeds as it provides year-round warmth and protection. They’ll be kept safe inside the enclosure and you wouldn’t have to place them in your garages or basements.
Grow more plants and extend the growing season
With a greenhouse, you’ll be able to extend the growing season of your plants since you’ll be able to control the indoor environment with the help of greenhouse equipment. You’ll also be able to choose from warm-weather or cold-weather plants regardless of the season and area you live in.
Final Thoughts on How to Transplant Bleeding Hearts
After fully grasping the idea of how to transplant bleeding hearts, it is time to put your knowledge into practice. The process itself is not complicated, but make sure that you delicately handle the roots, as their survival largely depends on that.