About
A herbaceous climber with deeply lobed leaves 15-30cm long, some with tendrils. Yellow or sometimes white 2.5cm long flowers, occasionally tipped with pink or purple, emerge from mid-spring to late summer.
About the genus
Dactylicapnos (formerly included in Dicentra) are frost-tender deciduous climbing perennials or annuals, with compound or pinnate leaves, and flowers with heart-shaped outer petals which are characteristically pouched at the base, convergent to the tips, then bent outwards. These are usually borne in small, sometimes hanging, clusters, followed by pods, some strikingly inflated
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toC Nepal to S China
ToxicityCan cause stomach upset if ingested and contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade in a moist but well-drained, humus rich soil. A soil rich in leaf mould is ideal. Avoid soils that are prone to drying out or staying wet. Plant in a sheltered spot
PruningCut back foliage down to ground level at end of growing season
PropagationPropagate by seed; sow fresh seed in vermiculite or grit and place in a cold frame through winter (stratifying). If the clump is large enough, propagation may be possible by division when the plant is dormant
Pest resistanceSlugs and snails may be problematic
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free