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Only two of three bleeding hearts bloomed this spring #631663

Asked May 05, 2020, 4:25 PM EDT

In the attached photo, you can see three bleeding heart plants. The one on left side of photo and the one at around 2 o'clock in the photo bloomed abundantly this spring. (This photo was taken after peak bloom.). However the none in the middle, whose leaves you can see in front of the small red flag, did not produce flowers this spring, although it had in past years. Can you suggest possible reasons and ways to correct this problem? Thanks.

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

While it does appear that a few flowers may have formed on the middle plant, there may be several reasons for its failure to bloom well. The tree behind them may be shading this plant the most, as well as engaging in root competition, though in general woodland plants such as this are adapted to such conditions. The prolific weed growth around the plants, however, are certainly competing for moisture and nutrients and should be removed.

You could dig up this plant and more it to a location with slightly more light (still give it mostly shade), or divide it to try to reinvigorate growth. Because they can go dormant in hot summers, it would be best to wait until early next spring to try division. Otherwise, early autumn would be the second-best time. The roots can be brittle, so use caution. It sounds as if these are older plants, but if the plants are quite young and still establishing (less than two years old), then division isn't necessary and they should bloom better when mature.

If we experience a drought this year as we did late last year, be sure to irrigate them as necessary. Last year's overly-wet start to the year (and the spring prior to that as well) may have stressed the plant and damaged roots if the soil didn't drain well enough.

Miri

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