Overview
Dicentra pauciflora is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dicentra pauciflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Dicentra pauciflora is a species of flowering plant in Dicentra, the genus containing the bleeding-hearts. This perennial wildflower is native to the US states of Oregon and California, where it grows high in the mountains in gravelly soils. This is a short bleeding-heart, approaching 10 centimeters (3.9 in) in maximum height. From a rhizome beneath the soil it extends several erect petioles, each holding a leaf divided into leaflets which are each divided into smooth, fingerlike lobes. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and west-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra pauciflora
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dicentra
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dicentra pauciflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dicentra pauciflora
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dicentra pauciflora?
Dicentra pauciflora prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dicentra pauciflora need?
Dicentra pauciflora 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 to poorly-drained.
Is Dicentra pauciflora hardy in the UK?
Dicentra pauciflora 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 pauciflora?
Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down.