Overview
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Pacific Northwest of North America.
About
Dicentra formosa is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. With its fern-like foliage and inflorescence of drooping pink, purple, yellow or cream "hearts", this species is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dicentra
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Pacific Northwest of North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in early spring or after the leaves have died down
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant'?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant'?
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' need?
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant'?
Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
Is Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' hardy in the UK?
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' 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 'Luxuriant'?
Division in early spring or after the leaves have died down.