Troubleshooting
King of Hearts Bleeding Heart problems — and how to fix them
King of Hearts Bleeding Heart (Dicentra 'King of Hearts') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Foliage scorch
Hot sun and dry soil burn the fine blue-grey leaves. Provide dappled shade and keep soil evenly moist.
Root rot in wet soil
The small crown rots in heavy, waterlogged ground. Plant in gritty, free-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Aphids
Tender new shoots attract aphids that distort buds. Rinse off or apply insecticidal soap.
Slow establishment
Being a compact hybrid, it builds up slowly. Avoid disturbing young plants and feed lightly until established.
Prevent king of hearts bleeding heart problems before they start
Most king of hearts bleeding heart issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for king of hearts bleeding heart in general rather than its problems? Read the full king of hearts bleeding heart care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
King of Hearts Bleeding Heart problems — FAQ
Why is my king of hearts bleeding heart foliage scorch?
Hot sun and dry soil burn the fine blue-grey leaves. Provide dappled shade and keep soil evenly moist.
Why is my king of hearts bleeding heart root rot in wet soil?
The small crown rots in heavy, waterlogged ground. Plant in gritty, free-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Why is my king of hearts bleeding heart aphids?
Tender new shoots attract aphids that distort buds. Rinse off or apply insecticidal soap.
Why is my king of hearts bleeding heart slow establishment?
Being a compact hybrid, it builds up slowly. Avoid disturbing young plants and feed lightly until established.