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Xela's Garden

Bleeding Heart [V & S]

Genus: Dicentra.

Species: Dicentra spectabilis.

Planted '05 Vistabile utility border
Divided spring '08, planted Shenstone garage bed

Skill Level: Beginner

Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline

Height: 60cm
Spread: 45cm

Time to divide plants: March to May

A Chinese plant with red heart-shaped flowers with white tips - these dangle enticingly from the arching flower stems of this delightful plant in late spring and early summer. Although it grows in light shade and looks good growing in clumps amongst shrubs, it often does even better in a sunny border, provided the soil stays sufficiently moist. Clumps of dicentra remain compact for many years and do not need dividing, fortunately, because they have brittle roots and do not like disturbance - instead, try taking root cuttings in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Photos of this plant

  • Dicentra_bergeniavistabileutilitybed15.04.08jpg
  • Bleedingheartsecondflushvistabileutilityborder01.07.08
  • Bleedingheartcloseupvistabileutilitybed09.04.20
  • Bleedingheartvistabileutilitybed09.04.20

Reminders for this plant

Due about 16 years ago:

Feed/fertilize

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Take root cuttings in spring (march / april / may

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.

Due almost 16 years ago:

Take cuttings

Take root cuttings in spring (march / april / may)

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.
It's a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of leaf mould before planting

Due over 15 years ago:

Mulch

Apply a mulch in autumn too.

Due about 15 years ago:

Propegate

Take root cuttings March - May

Take cuttings

Take root cuttings in spring (march / april / may)

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.
It's a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of leaf mould before planting

Feed/fertilize

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Due about 14 years ago:

Fertilise

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Due almost 14 years ago:

Take cuttings

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.
It's a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of leaf mould before planting

Due over 13 years ago:

Mulch

Apply a mulch in autumn.

Due about 13 years ago:

Fertilise

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Due almost 13 years ago:

Take cuttings

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.
It's a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of leaf mould before planting

Due over 12 years ago:

Mulch

Apply a mulch in autumn

Due about 12 years ago:

Feed

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Due almost 12 years ago:

Take cuttings

The roots are brittle so do not divide clumps.
It's a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of leaf mould before planting

Due over 11 years ago:

Mulch

Apply a mulch in autumn

Due about 11 years ago:

Feed

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Take cuttings

Take root cuttings in Spring

Due over 10 years ago:

Mulch

Apply a mulch in autumn