When should I expect flowers?

These plants typically start blooming in mid to late summer. Be patient if your plant is still young.

Pruning is generally not necessary for blooming. Focus on maximizing light exposure instead.

Love lies bleeding: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Confirm the plant is getting full sun all day.
Check if the plant is crowded by other taller plants.
Review your recent fertilizer use.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and stretched out with large gaps between leaves. It is not receiving the full sun it requires to produce flowers.
What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If it is in a pot, relocate it to the sunniest spot in your garden.
Excess Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but no flowers. This often happens if you use a fertilizer that is too high in nitrogen.
What to do: Switch to a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus content to encourage blooming. Stop fertilizing for a few weeks to let the plant reset.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your love lies bleeding

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is mature and still shows no signs of buds by midsummer, it is likely not getting enough light. It is normal for young seedlings to focus only on leaf growth first.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a location with full sun and avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. Ensure the plant has enough space for good airflow.

Love lies bleeding: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your love lies bleeding and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

When should I expect flowers?: These plants typically start blooming in mid to late summer. Be patient if your plant is still young.
Does pruning help?: Pruning is generally not necessary for blooming. Focus on maximizing light exposure instead.

Why is my Love lies bleeding not producing tassels?