Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' (Bleeding Heart) — perennial

Overview

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

About

Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' is a perennial Bleeding Heart with finely divided, fern-like foliage and pendant, heart-shaped flowers. The blooms appear in spring from April to June. It prefers sheltered, north- or east-facing positions in partial shade or shade on moist, rich, well‑drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Rated H5, it is classed as hardy in the UK and suits woodland and shade borders.

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 'Bountiful' originates from the Pacific Northwest of North America and carries the species' delicate, fern-like leaves and drooping heart-shaped flowers. Flowering runs from April to June, when the pendant blooms form a distinct lower layer of spring colour beneath taller perennials and trees. Give it a sheltered site on a north- or east-facing aspect in partial shade or shade. It performs best in a rich, loamy soil that drains but retains moisture, and prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Avoid exposed, windy positions; shelter helps protect the fine foliage and the flower stems. In the garden place it where late-spring flowers can be appreciated at close range — woodland clearings, shaded borders and shade gardens are ideal. Its clumping habit sits well at the front of a mixed shade border or beneath deciduous trees where the canopy provides shelter through winter and dappled light in spring. The pendant flowers from April to June give a predictable seasonal display beneath taller plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dicentra

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

Plant details

Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: woodland garden, shade garden, borders
Native to: Pacific Northwest of North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful'

Cultivation: Prefers cool, moist conditions with partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering dies down to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed sowing

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful'?

Prefers cool, moist conditions with partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.

Where is the best place to plant Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful'?

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

What soil does Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' need?

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

How do I prune Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful'?

Cut back foliage after flowering dies down to encourage fresh growth.

Is Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' hardy in the UK?

Dicentra formosa 'Bountiful' 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 'Bountiful'?

Division in spring or autumn, seed sowing.

More in the Dicentra genus

Browse all Dicentra →