When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Preble County, OH
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.
Preble County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Preble County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.
Preble County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Preble County, OH
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Bloom | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Preble County
Growing Tips for Preble 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 →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Preble County, OH?
Preble County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Preble County, OH?
Preble County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 21.
Your Preble County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Preble County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.