When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, KY
Clark County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Bleeding Hearts April 23–May 7 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, KY
What to do in June
Your Clark County, Kentucky garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,545 feet, Clark County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bleeding Hearts root diseases.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clark County
How your county's soil matches Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Bleeding Hearts's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Bleeding Hearts.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Bleeding Hearts.
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
Succession Planting Bleeding Hearts
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 26 to harvest before frost.
Bleeding Hearts Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bleeding Hearts Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bleeding Hearts Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Clark County, KY
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Clark County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after April 16 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, KY?
Clark County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, KY?
Clark County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Clark County, KY?
In Clark County, KY, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clark County, KY for Bleeding Hearts?
Clark County sits in USDA Zone 6b. 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 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.