About

This spreading, rhizomatous perennial with arching stems of creamy white, heart-shaped flowers, from late spring to late summer, above blue-green, fern-like foliage. Height 45cm.

About the genus

Dicentra can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided leaves and pendent, heart-shaped flowers, usually in arching panicles or racemes

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityAll parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline, in partial shade; will tolerate sun or sandier soils provided that the soil is not prone to drying out
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free