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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Dicentra genus
- Dicentra eximiafringed bleeding heart
- Dicentra formosawestern bleeding heart
- Dicentra formosa 'Alba'White Bleeding Heart
- Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful'Bleeding Heart
- Dicentra formosa 'Langtrees'bleeding heart 'Langtrees'
- Dicentra formosa 'Paramount'Bleeding Heart
- Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith'Pacific Bleeding-heart
- Dicentra macranthaLarge-flowered Dicentra
