All you need to know about the climbing bleeding heart

All You Need To Know About The Climbing Bleeding Heart

Are you looking for information on how to grow a climbing bleeding heart and the perfect conditions to provide this plant with?  We look at all the information you need in this article.

The climbing bleeding heart originates from China.  It is a vigorous vine with lots of delicate cascading golden yellow flowers from mid-summer to frost. It has delicate leaves that look like a fern.

This plant thrives in well-drained evenly moist soils with a good amount of sunlight.  During winter, it completely dies as it grows as an annual. You can plant it on the patio, garden, or next to a fence.  Its vigorous growth causes it to grow fast with plenty of foliage.  However, it can become invasive so choose where to grow it well.

Propagating Bleeding Heart Vine

It is easy to propagate climbing bleeding heart by using cuttings or seeds.  Here is how to grow it from a stem cutting:

  • Clip a stem cutting at 3 or 4 inches long making a straight cut below the leaf node.  Remove the lower leaves and keep the rest.
  • Place the cutting end in water or plant it in moistened soil.  Place it on a heated surface or near a sunny window sill.

  • If you planted it, remember to water it as often as it needs water.  The roots should appear in about 2 weeks.  Give the plant at least one month before you replant it in moistened rich soil.  Keep it in a sunny location that receives part sun and part shade.
  • Mist the plant daily or once in two days with the rule being not to let the plant dry out.  The plant will begin to get more established with more roots and grow fast.

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Growing Climbing Bleeding Heart Vine From Seed

These plants produce seeds that you can save up for the next planting season. The black seeds inside the fruit can be used for propagation.  You will plant the seeds in the spring when the temperatures are favorable around 55 to 64 degrees F.

Germination takes at least 6 to 8 weeks although it may begin at least 20 to 30 days after sowing given the best conditions. To help the seed germinate better, nick the seed and soak them for a day or so to soften the thick outer layer.

Place the seed on top of the germination soil – a good one is a mixture of sand, peat moss, or vermiculite. Thinly cover the seed with the soil and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the plant warm using a heating mat and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Transfer the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough and have at least two sets of leaves.

Growing Climbing Bleeding Heart Vine From Seed

Potting And Repotting Climbing Bleeding Heart

The best time to transplant this plant is during the dormant period before the spring growing season begins. You can also re-pot your plant when it has outgrown its current pot.

Ensure that the new pot has enough drainage holes to let out the extra water and eliminate root rot.  Always repot your plant into a pot that is slightly larger than the original pot.

Growing Climbing Bleeding Heart Vine – Care And Maintenance

This plant is best grown in USDA zones 9 and above.  It is easily damaged by temperatures ranging below 45 degrees.  It is commonly grown as an indoor plant as it does well in partial sun and shade.

To grow it successfully you will need to provide it with care as follows:

Light

These plants require adequate light in order to thrive. Keep the plant in a south-facing window when growing indoors.  Gardeners in USDA can grow this plant in zones 9-11 outdoors in a particularly sunny area without covering them. They can also grow in cooler climates.  It is possible to grow the vine outdoors during summer and bring it indoors during winter.

Water The Plant Occasionally

To thrive, this plant will require frequent watering during dry weather.  It requires consistent moist soils but is not soggy.  The vines are very thirsty and require at least one inch of water per week.  A fully-grown vine can take up to 3 gallons of water weekly.  If your home is dry, mist the plant daily to keep it healthy. During winter, water this plant at least twice a month.

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Soil

This plant needs well-draining soil that is moist and rich.  Do not allow the soil to be soggy.  This plant can tolerate many kinds of soil like sandy or loamy soils as long as they are enriched with organic material.

Fertilization

This plant needs a slow-release fertilizer every two months during the blooming season.  You can also use water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or so with a balanced fertilizer of 5-10-5.  This plant appreciates calcium so you can add lime from time to time.

Pest And Disease Management

The climbing bleeding heart is not susceptible to many pests. However, it is common to see mealy bugs and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap spray to eliminate these pests and keep the plant healthy.  Reapply the spray every 10 or so days until all the insects are eliminated.

Pruning

Prune your climbing bleeding heart by removing the extra leaves that have wayward growth or those damaged by winter.  Prune them before the spring so they can start growing afresh. You can also trim them as often as you wish.

Growing Climbing Bleeding Heart Vine – Care And Maintenance

Final Remarks, Climbing Bleeding Heart

The climbing bleeding heart will easily thrive if you provide it with the best growing conditions. If you live in a place where it freezes, you will need to move this plant indoors as it cannot survive the cold temperatures.  All in all this plant is very friendly!

FAQ’s

Do bleeding hearts need a trellis?

Bleeding hearts need a trellis if they are growing in a place where you will need to support them instead of leaving them to grow wildly.  Provide the trellis as early as possible.

Do Bleeding Hearts climb?

Yes, climbing bleeding hearts are called so because they climb and may require a trellis to support them or you can plant them next to the fence or other plants for support.

How fast do bleeding heart vines grow?

These plants grow fast especially when you start them from cuttings than when you grow them from seed.

 How much sun do bleeding heart vines need?

The climbing bleeding heart requires at least 6 hours of sunlight and partial shade.  Keep them away from hot direct sunlight.