Dicentra formosa 'Adrian Bloom' (Pacific Bleeding-heart)

About

Dicentra formosa 'Adrian Bloom' is a herbaceous perennial in the poppy family, noted for its fern-like divided leaves and pendant, heart-shaped flowers. Flower clusters are borne above the foliage and appear in spring. It flowers in the UK from April to June. The plant emerges from a brittle rhizome and forms clumps over time.

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 'Adrian Bloom' belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and shares the species' characteristic divided, fern-like foliage and drooping heart-shaped blooms. The species originates from the Pacific Northwest of North America and produces clusters of pendant hearts in shades recorded for the species; the cultivar name identifies this particular selection. Plants arise from a brittle rhizome, which makes division the most reliable way to propagate or rejuvenate established clumps; take care when lifting to avoid damaging the rhizome. Flowering in the UK occurs from April to June. Growing needs follow the species habit: establish plants with root contact and keep the rhizome covered when planting to avoid exposure. In a UK garden it suits sheltered, temperate sites where spring blossom can be shown against a backdrop of foliage from shrubs and trees. Use it where pendant spring flowers can be appreciated at close range, such as on the front of a mixed border or beneath larger perennials. Expect the pendant hearts to be the main spring feature, appearing each year between April and June.

More in the Dicentra genus

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