Companion Plants That Fill In When Bleeding Hearts Fade

Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are graceful perennials known for their arching stems lined with heart-shaped pink and white flowers. Blooming in spring, they thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them ideal for woodland or shade gardens.

After flowering, the foliage often fades in summer heat, so they're best paired with later-blooming companions that fill in when bleeding hearts fade.

Here’s a few companion plants that thrive in similar conditions (partial shade and moist, well-drained soil):

• Astilbe – Feathery plumes in pink, white, or red; blooms in mid to late summer.


• Hosta – Lush foliage in various shades of green and variegated patterns; blooms in summer with lavender or white spikes.


• Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida) – Late summer to fall bloomers with graceful white or pink flowers.


• Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) – Spotted, orchid-like flowers in late summer to fall.


• Turtlehead (Chelone) – Upright spikes of snapdragon-like blooms (pink or white) in late summer.


• Ligularia – Bold foliage and yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer; prefers moist soil.


• Lady Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, or Ostrich Fern – They don’t bloom but keep the space looking lush and layered.


These companions not only pick up when bleeding hearts fade, but they also help create a varied and textured shade garden throughout the growing season.