Plants with heart shaped leaves add a touch of romance and elegance to gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces. These leaves’ unique and symbolic shape, resembling the universal symbol of love, create a beautiful visual appeal.
From climbing vines to ground covers and vibrant flowers to lush green foliage, these plants capture the eye and hold a special place in the hearts of garden lovers. Whether you plant them to express affection for a loved one or you just like a variety of shapes in your garden, enjoy these unique plants with heart-shaped leaves.
1. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias, available in numerous varieties and colors, showcase heart-shaped foliage and charming blossoms, making them popular for gardens and interiors.
2. Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus)
Coral Vine is a vigorous climber with heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink blossoms, perfect for creating a cascade of color in the garden.
Ideal for concealing arbors and fences, the Coral Vine is an essential addition to southern gardens, flourishing against warm walls and showcasing impressive drought tolerance once it takes root.
3. European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)
European Wild Ginger is a ground-hugging plant that forms a lush carpet with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. While it may produce small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers, its real charm lies in the dense foliage.
4. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
This trailing succulent, also known as the Sweetheart Vine, offers cascades of heart-shaped leaves, making it perfect for hanging baskets or window sills.
String of Hearts is low-maintenance, especially in the warmer months, with mature vines cascading up to 12 feet. During cooler weather, it gracefully goes dormant, slowing down its growth.
The heart-shaped, fleshy foliage, tinted in a marbled pattern of gray-green, adds visual interest, while the slender, string-like vines boast a unique purple hue.
5. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
Despite their delicate appearance, cool-weather cyclamen plants send upward-facing flowers in pink, white, and red shades. Undergoing a period of dormancy, they await the opportune conditions to stand tall and thrive. Even when faced with near-freezing night temperatures, cyclamen demonstrates remarkable survival capabilities.
6. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
A festive favorite, Poinsettia showcases heart-shaped bracts in vibrant colors, bringing holiday cheer to homes around the world.
In recent years, poinsettias have undergone a captivating transformation beyond the traditional bright red hues. There are many unique poinsettia colors in shades of pink, cream, peach, and even marbled combinations.
7. Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii)
The Hoya Heart is affectionately known as the Sweetheart Hoya due to its charming heart-shaped leaves.
With its thick, succulent foliage, this plant has a high tolerance for drought conditions and thrives in bright direct to indirect light. It is not toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift to pet owners.
8. African Violets (Saintpaulia)
African violets are one of the most popular houseplants, with beautiful, showy flowers in many colors, from pink to purple. Some varieties have variegated leaves and textured white edges around the petals. Beautiful!
9. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Known for its striking blossoms with prominent dark centers resembling black eyes, the vine’s flowers come in various hues ranging from sunny yellows and oranges to warm reds and whites. Whether climbing fences, cascading from hanging baskets, or adorning arbors, this vine’s diverse and lively colors create a lively and dynamic visual display in gardens and landscapes.
Check out these tips for growing a gorgeous black-eyed Susan vine.
10. Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
With brilliant neon green leaves, this variety of Pothos is a true standout in indoor settings. The strikingly bright color adds a lively and refreshing touch to your home or office.
11. Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana)
The Hong Kong Orchid Tree dazzles with its large, magenta orchid-like blooms and heart-shaped leaves that enhance its exotic appeal.
Growing as a tree with a rounded crown in milder winter regions and taking on a more shrub-like form in cooler climates, this ornamental plant with semi-evergreen nature offers striking winter interest.
Bleeding Heart Plant Care Secrets
Bleeding Hearts are winter-hardy perennials that bloom year after year. Their distinctive heart-shaped flowers are pink, rose, or white.
Learn more about caring for bleeding heart plants.
How to Propagate String of Hearts
Propagating string of hearts cuttings in soil will produce healthy and strong roots reasonably quickly, but it requires humidity, and you may need to purchase a propagation box to help you. Here are the steps for successfully propagating your string of hearts using the soil method.
Adriana Copaceanu is a passionate nature lover living in the country on her dream property where she grows vegetables, lavender, and wildflowers that she shares with the wildlife they attract. When she's not in the garden, she loves spending time with her chickens and planning her next nature project. Check out her books below:
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