Fire Island Fern Leaf Bleeding Heart

‘Fire Island’ is an alpine type of bleeding heart with vivid magenta-red, white-tipped flowers above finely textured, frosty blue foliage. Walters Gardens describes it as bushier and more floriferous than similar selections, blooming from late spring into midsummer; it is hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and grows about 12–15 inches tall by 18–24 inches wide. [Walters Gardens variety profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=DICFI). ## Growing Conditions Unlike woodland bleeding hearts, ‘Fire Island’ benefits from more sun and can grow in full sun in cool, high-elevation climates. Give it average, well-drained soil; it struggles in heavy clay and does not need deep, constantly moist soil. Its fernlike foliage and long flowering period work well in a sunny rock garden or mixed border. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells, then avoid overwatering. Remove spent flower stems if needed to keep the clump neat. Walters Gardens notes that this selection does not set seed, which helps it continue flowering into summer.