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When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, AR

Clark County sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Bleeding Hearts March 22–April 5 for the single annual harvest; the November 9 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, AR

Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 1,350 feet, Clark County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Clark County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Clark County, AR

Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Bloom May 10 May 10 – Jun 7

Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May Bloom
June Bloom
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

232 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark County

Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, AR?

Clark County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, AR?

Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, AR?

In Clark County, AR, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, AR for Bleeding Hearts?

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clark County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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