The Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as the Bleeding Heart flower, is a classic garden perennial with distinctive blooms. Its striking appearance comes from heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems, creating a display in the early spring garden. These blooms appear to have a small drop suspended at the bottom, lending the flower its evocative name and recognizable silhouette. This unique, sculptural form has captured the imagination of gardeners and storytellers for centuries, leading to a rich history of folklore and symbolic meaning.
Identifying the Bleeding Heart Flower
The plant is scientifically classified as Lamprocapnos spectabilis, though it was formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis. Native to the woodlands of Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan, this herbaceous perennial thrives in the shade, blooming before the forest canopy fully develops. It produces delicate, fern-like foliage and reaches a height of two to three feet, typically forming a bushy, mounding habit. The most common color is rosy pink with a white interior, but the pure white variety, ‘Alba,’ is also popular in cultivation.
The heart-shaped structure is formed by two large outer petals, from which a pair of smaller white inner petals protrude. Gardeners should note the plant’s mild toxicity, as all parts contain isoquinoline-like alkaloids. Ingestion by humans or pets can cause mild distress. Handling the foliage may occasionally result in skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
The Origin Story of the Iconic Shape
The common name and the flower’s structure are linked to a popular Japanese folktale. This narrative describes a young prince who loved a princess who did not return his affection. To win her heart, the prince offered her a series of expensive gifts. The two large outer petals are said to represent the pair of rabbits he first presented to her.
The next layer, two smaller inner petals, symbolizes the pair of silk slippers or shoes he then offered. The two tiny stamens within the bloom represent the pair of precious earrings the prince gave as his last gift. After the maiden accepted the gifts but still rejected his love, the distraught prince plunged a dagger into his heart, represented by the small point at the flower’s base. The first Lamprocapnos spectabilis plant is said to have sprung from the spot where the prince died, memorializing his unrequited love and heartbreak.
Symbolism in Floriography and Culture
The flower’s symbolism is cemented in floriography, the language of flowers, primarily representing sorrow, broken affection, and empathy. In the Victorian era, the Bleeding Heart conveyed rejected love or sadness. This symbolism extends beyond romantic heartbreak to represent sympathy and compassion for the suffering of others, making it a choice for memorial gardens. It symbolizes both the passion of love and the pain of loss.
Interpretations of the flower’s meaning shift based on the color of the petals. The common pink and red varieties are tied to passionate yet sorrowful emotions, representing unrequited devotion or intense feelings. Conversely, the white Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ symbolizes purity and innocence, often interpreted as purity in sorrow or gentle remembrance. This variety is frequently used in arrangements to convey sympathy and remembrance.