About
Dicentra uniflora, steer's head, is a tiny, tuberous perennial from the mountains of western North America producing the characteristic finely divided, glaucous leaves and single, pendent, pouched flowers of the genus. A charming and delicate alpine for a cool, moist, very well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Dicentra, the bleeding hearts, are rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided or fern-like leaves and pendent, heart-shaped or pouched flowers, usually in pink, white, red or yellow, in arching panicles or racemes in spring and early summer. Excellent woodland and shade-tolerant garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-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
Native toE & N USA
ToxicityAll parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in gritty, well-drained but humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. The foliage dies down soon after flowering. It is best kept almost dry during summer dormancy
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by seed - sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring
Pest resistanceMay be suscceptible to slugs and snails damaging emerging foliage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free