Dicentra

Botanical/Latin
   Dicentra

Pronunciation
   Dye-cent-tra

Common Name
   Bleeding Heart

Hardiness zone range
   3 - 7

General Comments
Charming, old fashioned style perennials with soft, fern-like foliage and arching, flower stems that bear heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white.

There are two distinct types: an Asian species, Dicentra spectablis (which is sometimes called the common Bleeding Heart) is taller, with larger flowers that are produced only in spring, and the lower growing and later flowering American species that have finely divided, fern-like foliage and a much longer flowering period that usually lasts from spring through autumn.

Uses
They are a refreshing sight in shady woodland settings, perennial borders, or among wild flowers. They delightfully light up the garden, when planted either as individuals or as small informal groups.

The common Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spectablis, makes an excellent cut flower. It is glorious when arranged in a tall vase with some of its own foliage. Its clumps are easy to force, too, so if a touch of early spring color is needed indoors, they can be lifted and grown in a greenhouse in early spring.

Deer and rabbits find the foliage unpleasant to eat, so they are useful where browsing animals are a problem.

Light Preference
Performing best in shade, they will grow in light shade, and even reasonably well in sun. The flowering period is longer in the cooler, shadier conditions.

Culture
Long lived, easy to grow, and not troubled by pests or diseases, they require very little care and attention. As mentioned above, they thrive best where the conditions are likely to remain cool and moist. It is a good idea to supplement the planting positions with the extra organic matter and then mulching afterwards; watering during dry spells also helps.

When summer temperatures rise and the soil dries out, some (particularly the Asian species D. spectablis) will turn yellow and go dormant until next spring. This is a natural stage and nothing to be alarmed about. Sometimes the other types will go dormant as well, re-emerging when the cooler, moist conditions return in autumn.

Established clumps can be lifted and divided when dormant, but since they resent disturbance and flower well for many years without division, they are best left undisturbed.

Background
The botanical name comes from the Greek words di (two) and kentron (spur) referring to the unusual shape of the flower.

The American species are useful and attractive plants and have led to several worthy selections, but it was the Asian species D. spectablis that became popular in Europe and later elsewhere in the world. It was introduced from China in 1847, and rapidly became one of the most popular garden plants.

The romantic flower shape captures the imagination and has given rise to several common names. Bleeding Heart (the most common) comes from the flower buds, which before opening resemble a heart with a drop of blood at the tip.

Children are fascinated by the other name Lady in the Bath or Lady in a Boat, which comes from the fully developed flowers which, when turned upside down and the two pink petals pulled downwards, reveal a shape that resembles a naked lady.

Splendor Suggestions
White and pale pink flowers reflect ambient light and show up best in darker, shady conditions. Try using drifts of these, especially the white forms, to brighten and "lift" otherwise dark and dreary areas.

Companion Plants
They combine well with bold textured and foliage plants, so things like goats beard Aruncus dioicus, Hostas, Ferns, and Astilbes work well with them and help to continue the show later into the season. The exquisite electric blue of Corydalis 'China Blue' with its delicate, lacy foliage, lends a subtle, airy look. The silver foliaged Lamium 'White Nancy' reflects the light upwards to the drooping racemes and this could be enhanced with compatible color partners, like Viola 'Maggie Mott' or Veronica 'Goodness Grows'.