Tucked away in dark shady gardens, you may find bleeding-hearts. Oh, it’s not a hard flower to find...their name describes what they look like. Another less common name for the bleeding heart is dutchman’s trousers. These delicate little flowers don’t last long...blooming late spring and only lasting a few weeks before they die back and go dormant for another season. You can encourage the bleeding heart to stay green through the season by watering it often during the hot summer months. Bleeding hearts look beautiful along side hostas and ferns. Bleeding hearts are native to North America and Japan. It grew wild in lush, shady forests where the soil was rich and the shadows deep.

Years ago, it was believed you could tell if your love loved you by crushing the flowers. If the juice was red, he/she loved you. If it was white, well, perhaps it was time to move on. Other legend advises on not growing bleeding-hearts indoors as the flower might bring a negative spirit into your home. However, you can calm the plant by placing a stone or coin in the soil.

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