10 Bleeding heart
DICENTRA SPECTABILIS, ZONES 3 TO 9
Delicate foliage and long-lasting heart-shaped blooms make this an early spring favorite. Because it peaks before other plants, grow bleeding heart in the back of a garden bed, so other plants cover the foliage that has died back.
Why we love it: Bleeding heart brings a bright pop of pink to shady spots in your garden.
Bonus: It’s a hummingbird and butterfly favorite.
Kirsten Sweet is the editor of Birds & Blooms. She walks to work every day and loves to watch for the first blooms of the season.