Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' (Pacific Bleeding-heart) — perennial

Overview

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' is a perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Q144723 family. Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and border. It is native to Pacific Northwest of North America.

About

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' is a perennial from the Pacific Northwest of North America that performs well in partial shade and shade. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that remains moist and suits acidic to neutral pH. Flowering occurs April to June and it suits shade gardens, woodland planting and 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 'Silver Smith' is a perennial originating from the Pacific Northwest of North America and adapted to shaded, woodland conditions. In the UK it flowers from April to June. The cultivar is most useful where conditions remain cool and sheltered from strong sun. Plant in partial shade or full shade on a site with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Aim for soil that retains moisture without waterlogging and sits in an acidic to neutral range. Incorporate leaf mould or compost at planting to improve structure and water-holding capacity, then apply a seasonal mulch to conserve moisture through the growing season. The rating H5 (hardy) indicates it tolerates typical UK winter conditions when sited in a sheltered spot. Use Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' in the lower layer of a shady border, a woodland garden or as part of a mixed shade border. It works alongside ferns and other shade perennials where a quiet, lower-storey planting is required; place it where its seasonal display from April to June will be visible beneath taller shrubs or trees.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dicentra

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: acidic, neutral
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith'

Cultivation: Prefers cool, moist, shaded conditions; avoid direct hot sun; mulch to retain moisture
Pruning: Remove dead foliage after flowering; cut back to ground in late autumn
Propagation: division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith'?

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

Where is the best place to plant Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith'?

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' prefers partial shade and shade.

What soil does Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' need?

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith'?

Remove dead foliage after flowering; cut back to ground in late autumn.

Is Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' hardy in the UK?

Dicentra formosa 'Silver Smith' 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 'Silver Smith'?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

More in the Dicentra genus

Browse all Dicentra →