Heart-Shaped Plants to Transform Your Garden and Space
Plant-a-heart Hearts are just everywhere during February. Valentine’s Day, arriving in the middle of February is a major celebration showcasing love in all its varieties. However, Valentine’s hearts are not the only ones in the spotlight.
February is also “American Heart Month” to increase awareness about heart health nationwide. Warm hearts are the norm in mid-winter.
It’s the perfect moment to give a beloved one or yourself your heart in the shape of garden or house plants that feature hearts on their leaves or even flowers. So plant a heart now in the garden.
From the earliest spring-time violet leaves to the vibrant red blooms of the tropical anthurium, gardening, and hearts go hand-in-hand.
Ways Through Which These Plants Enhance Decor
The unique design of the heart-shaped leaves provides an attractive visual aspect to any space. It stands out from the norm and gives an enchanting touch that draws attention and adds interest.
These plants are frequently associated with love, affection, and feelings, so including them in your home decor could bring feelings of warmth, tenderness, and affection, creating an inviting and warm environment.
The leaves of plants with heart shapes could be focal points within a space or outside. Their distinctive foliage is striking and draws attention, creating a focal element that highlights the design and provides an element of drama. In addition, they have textures that differ from glossy and smooth to veined and textured.
The variety of textures gives the room a more textured look and provides a pleasing contrast when paired with other plants or decor elements plant-a-heart .
Heart-shaped leaves can also be found in various patterns and colors, ranging from dark greens to marbled or variegated designs. The patterns and colors can blend or contrast with the décor, bringing visual depth and a sense of richness to the room.
Furthermore, the leaves of heart-shaped plants can be used for layout and arrangement. They can be used in hanging arrangements, as potted plants on tables or shelves, or as part of vertical gardens. The versatility of these plants allows for innovative and varied arrangements that fit diverse styles for exterior and interior spaces.
Additionally, using heart-shaped leaves adds a touch of nature to indoor or outdoor spaces. This connection to the natural world gives the interior aura of calm, freshness, and energy, helping to create a more tranquil and balanced space.
In addition, most plants help improve air quality by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. When you include plants with heart-shaped leaves in your interior, you will boost the appearance and help create a healthier and more enjoyable working or living space.
Heart-Shaped Plants in the Garden
Anthurium
Anthurium has a lot to be awed by, not just its heart-shaped leaves but also its heart-shaped blooms, which come in vibrant red.
Some varieties feature white, pink, and even purple flowers. Bright, indirect light produces accurate flowers, but even without flowers, the leaves can appear stunning on their own. If they’re not flowering, all they need is a bit of water whenever the soil is dry, and they’ll grow to approximately two feet tall.
String of Hearts Plant
The String of Hearts is a favored home plant. It is usually grown in hanging baskets so that the vines have space to spread out. The heart-shaped leaves are marbled and soft, and the string-like, thin vines have a purple hue.
The name refers to the String of Hearts plant (Ceropegia woodii).
- Light: Partial sun
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 inches in height, 1.5 inches wide
Philodendron
There is a wide variety of Philodendrons, many with heart-shaped leaves. Philodendrons are popular house plants because they easily adapt to indoor conditions.
There are climbing and vining varieties of Philodendron. Vining philodendrons require a plant pole or other support structure to climb up. Non-climbing philodendrons are typically upright with a spreading growth habit.
- Light: Indirect, bright light
- Water: Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry between waterings. Make sure not to overwater.
- Note: Do not confuse with Pothos, as Philodendron stems are not grooved, while Pothos stems are.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
These plants are renowned for their delicate beauty, accentuated by heart-shaped leaves that emerge from the tubers. They produce beautiful flowers in red, pink, or white shades, further enhancing their beauty.
Cyclamens can be planted indoors in pots or added to outdoor gardens. With their delicate leaf flower structure and beautiful flowers, they add a touch of class and elegance to any décor. They are definitely an elegant and subtle style worth a look!
Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia spp.)
Dutchman’s pipe is an intriguing plant in the Aristolochiaceae family. It includes diverse species, each with distinct characteristics and patterns. One of the best features of Dutchman’s pipe is its massive heart-shaped leaves, which can reach an inch in height.
The leaves are a rich green with a shiny texture, providing a lush and vibrant accent to any room. Their distinctive shape provides visual interest and is an attractive focal point in outdoor and indoor spaces.
It is also famous for its beautiful flowers, which are usually hidden in the heart-shaped leaves. The flowers of various Aristolochia species may differ in shape, size, and color, but they usually have a distinct pipe-like appearance. This is the reason for the name. Flowers can also be extravagant, adding an exotic look to your décor.
Foxglove Tree
Also known as the “empress tree” or “princess tree,” the foxglove is known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers, which have an unusual hue for typical Northern trees: lavender to violet.
You will also love its leaves. They are heart-shaped and massive, reaching up to 30 inches wide. In addition to its advantages, it is a rapidly growing tree.
One disadvantage is that it tends to expand uncontrollably, and the foxglove is considered an invasive species in North America.
Variegated Butterbur
Variegated Butterbur will surely draw attention with its massive, two-toned, heart-shaped leaves. The common species, butterbur, grows rapidly through rhizomes and is often used as a ground cover for large areas.
The cultivar with the variegated pattern spreads less widely than the invasive species. If you want to be extra vigilant, plant it in a pot.
- Name: Variegated Butterbur (Petasites japonicus ‘Variegata’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Flower Color: Yellowish
- Light: Partially shaded to full shade
- Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet in height, 2 to 5 feet in width
Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss
Plant the cultivar ‘Jack Frost’ from Siberian bugloss to grow an herb with heart-shaped, silvery leaves. Plant it in the shade to protect the leaves from changing color.
This plant also has stunning blue flowers. It propagates by rhizomes and grows slowly. If you’re patient, it will eventually cover shaded areas and serve as a ground cover.
- Name: Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Flower Color: Blue
- Light: Full shade to partial shade
- Mature Size: 12 to 18 inches high, 18 to 30 inches wide
How to Make Heart-Shaped Leafed Plants Work Perfect for You
If you’re passionate about plants, you’ll find that heart-shaped leaves are striking and unique features for both indoor and outdoor décor. Their attributes, from the romantic resemblance of the heart-shaped hoya to sweethearts to the stunning elegance of the heartleaf Philodendron, add sophistication and charm to your home.
You may plant them indoors or integrate them into your outdoor landscapes, but their heart-shaped leaves will add fun, beauty, and grace.
These characteristics, enhanced by the distinctive leaf patterns, vibrant colors, and elegant beauty, can be used as a decorative accent to various decor styles.
You can cultivate them using table-top arrangements, hanging baskets, or climbing vines, as each of these plants can be designed in an innovative way to enhance the appearance and overall feel of a room.
For a more satisfying experience, consider the sweetheart hoya as a representation of affection and devotion to someone, as a centerpiece for a romantic interior.
The heart-shaped leaves and flowering vines create an attractive display of love and tenderness. Use it with soft lighting and complementary décor features to provide a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The Philodendron heartleaf is perfect if you’re looking for an enticing and diverse design. The glossy heart-shaped leaves add energy and freshness to any space.
Set it on a shelf or in an ornamental macrame planter to bring greenery into your home. The Philodendron heartleaf is also ideal for kitchens and bathrooms with high humidity levels, adding an element of nature to these rooms.
FAQs
What is the significance of the heart flower?
A red flower is often used to express love for someone or to show admiration in secret. It’s a symbol of the heart and conveys deep affection. It is believed to be a god’s flower that brings luck and good fortune to lovers, especially girls or young men looking for someone to complete their lives.
What is the plant with a heart known as?
Hoya Kerrii’s “Sweetheart” (Single-Leaf Hoya) has thick, waxy, and heart-shaped leaves frequently seen as symbols of love and affection. It is commonly called the “sweetheart plant.” The vine is often given as a gift and represents love.
Is a heartleaf plant good for the home?
Yes, heartleaf plants are beautiful plants with heart-shaped leaves that enhance indoor décor. They also purify the air, making them suitable for indoor spaces.
