Samjp's Garden
Bleeding Heart
Genus: Dicentra.
Species: Dicentra spectabilis.
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 Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Common Name: Bleeding heart
Genus: Dicentra
Species: spectabilis
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
Planted in the shade border
