Question
Hi Tom: My mother has a "Bleeding Heart" bush that she was given over 15 years ago by my Brother who is now deceased. She has asked me to see if you can help us as the Bush has become "root bound". What can we do to save this beautiful and very sentimental bush. We live in Nova Scotia. The bush is at the side of her house and has grown over the years.( When he gave it to her it was just a little sprig). Please let us know if there is anything we can do either this fall (now) or in the spring if at all possible.

Thank you so much
Judy

Answer
Hi Judy,
Thanx for your question.  Bleeding heart is best divided in late summer to early fall (right now) so that it has time to grow roots before the ground freezes. Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep in the new locations. Remove any rocks.  Cut all of the foliage off the bleeding heart plant so that you can see the root mound. The foliage can be thrown in the compost bin, if you have one.  Make a deep circle around the rootball of the plant with the spade at least 6 inches deep. Drive the spade straight down through the middle of the root mound. You should not divide one plant into more than fourths as the plant needs enough of its roots to start over in the new location.  Use the spade to divide the plant. Carefully separate the root into four new root balls. If you want to keep the original plant's location, just leave one of the four roots and cover it back up with soil.  Plant each one of the root balls into the new hole locations by digging new holes slightly larger and wider than the plants original depth and width in order to spaciously accommodate the plant.  Re-cover the roots with soil. Water all of the new plants thoroughly.  Give the new plants some straw or cypress bark mulch.  I hope this helps.
Tom