Dicentra formosa (western bleeding heart) — perennial

Overview

Dicentra formosa is a perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Q144723 family. Dicentra formosa grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, shade garden and borders. It is native to Western N America.

About

Dicentra formosa is a perennial from western North America valued for planting in shade and sheltered spots. It prefers partial shade to full shade and reliably flowers in the UK from April to June. Plant it into moist, well-drained loamy or sandy soils with an acidic to neutral pH. All parts can cause stomach ache if ingested and the foliage may aggravate skin allergies, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra formosa

About the genus

Dicentra, known collectively as the bleeding-hearts, is a genus containing eight species of herbaceous flowering perennial plants with unique, "heart"-shaped flowers and finely divided foliage. The species are, primarily, native to North America, although several are found in temperate East Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dicentra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra

In the garden

Dicentra formosa is a perennial species native to western North America, commonly used in shaded parts of the garden. In the UK it flowers from April to June, making it a seasonal feature through late spring and early summer. Give it a north- or east-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds and bright afternoon sun. Choose a moist, well-drained soil—loamy or sandy types suit it—maintained at acidic to neutral pH. It performs best in partial shade to full shade; dry, exposed sites should be avoided. The plant is rated H5, which means it is classed as hardy for typical UK conditions when sited in a sheltered position. Use Dicentra formosa beneath trees, along shaded borders or in a woodland-style bed where moisture can be kept fairly constant without waterlogging. Note that all parts can cause stomach ache if eaten and the foliage may provoke skin allergies, so handle with gloves and other protective equipment. Expect the species to be at its most notable between April and June when it comes into flower, providing a definite seasonal display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dicentra

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: loamy, sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: acidic, neutral
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: north, east
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dicentra formosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: woodland garden, shade garden, borders
Native to: Western N America
Toxicity: All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dicentra formosa

Cultivation: Prefers cool, moist, shaded conditions; mulch to retain moisture; avoid direct hot sun
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth
Propagation: division in spring or autumn, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dicentra formosa?

Prefers cool, moist, shaded conditions; mulch to retain moisture; avoid direct hot sun.

Where is the best place to plant Dicentra formosa?

Dicentra formosa prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Dicentra formosa need?

Dicentra formosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and well-drained. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Dicentra formosa?

Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Is Dicentra formosa hardy in the UK?

Dicentra formosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Dicentra formosa?

Division in spring or autumn, seed.

Is Dicentra formosa toxic?

All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

More in the Dicentra genus

Browse all Dicentra →