Dicentra  Bleeding Heart

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Spectabilis varieties

formosa types (fern leaf)

Dicentra should be thought of in two families, spectabilis (the old fashioned grandma Bleeding Heart) and the formosa or fern leaf varieties. Fern leaved Bleeding Hearts are valued for their compact habit and long season of bloom. Vigorous clumps of blue-green leaves, topped by clusters of long lasting delicate, dangling heart shaped flowers. The flowers last From early spring until mid summer. Drought tolerant. Classic Bleeding Hearts form a bushy, upright mound of green foliage. Dangling locket flowers are held on arching stems. Performs best in a rich, moist soil. Some of the new varieties (Valentine) hold up better during summer heat. The Gold Heart (as shown top right) stands out well in bright shade.

Dicentra formosa King of Hearts  is a great choice for drier areas...combines well with Aquilegia, Alchemilla, Pulmonaria.

Dicentra spectablis varieties demand space. They combine well with later flowering Aconitum, or Chelone.

All photos taken at our nursery. Inclusion here does not always mean we have in stock.