Pacific bleeding heart
Dicentra formosa · Papaveraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pacific bleeding heart: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut, soft green
- Blooming
- April to June, pink or white heart-shaped flowers
- Mature size
- 12 to 16 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Around -15 °C (hardy in temperate zones)
- Origin
- California, humid coastal regions
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly moist
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during growth and flowering, especially in spring. Reduce watering after flowering once the foliage begins to yellow naturally. Avoid excess water in winter when the plant is dormant.
Light Exposure
Choose a spot in part shade or light shade. Dicentra appreciates areas sheltered from intense afternoon sun. It adapts well to woodlands or the base of walls facing north or east.
Soil Preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting. Ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal for this plant.
Pruning and Cleanup
No pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers to extend blooming. In late summer or fall, when foliage turns yellow and dries out, cut stems back to ground level to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
Nutrition
Moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Work compost into the soil surface each fall to maintain soil fertility without overfeeding the plant.
Health and Pests
Dicentra is generally robust. Watch for slugs and snails that enjoy its tender foliage. In case of excess moisture, fungi may appear: improve drainage and air circulation.
Did you know?
Dicentra spectabilis owes its name to the characteristic shape of its flowers: pendant heart-shaped, they evoke a drop of blood or a raised heart. California Native Americans traditionally used this plant for its ornamental and symbolic properties, and it remains highly prized in shaded gardens throughout North America and Europe.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Bleeding heartLamprocapnos spectabilis
- Corydalis flexuosaCorydalis flexuosa
- California poppyEschscholzia californica
- Opium poppyPapaver somniferum
- Solid-bulbed corydalisCorydalis solida
- Climbing corydalisCeratocapnos claviculata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.