Overview

Dicentra spectabilis is a clump forming perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Dicentra spectabilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens. It is native to Northeast China and Korean peninsula.

About

Dicentra spectabilis is a perennial grown for its spring flowering display, flowering from April to June. It reaches about 0.6 m and suits sites with full sun in sandy or loamy soils that remain moist but well-drained. It is rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK and should be handled with care as it is toxic if ingested.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lamprocapnos

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 spectabilis is a herbaceous perennial native to northeast China and the Korean peninsula, used in gardens for its spring flowering (April to June). Plants form clumps to roughly 0.6 m and are commonly included where a seasonal spring display is required. Plant in a position with full sun in a sandy or loamy soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. The species prefers soils described as moist but well-drained; establish plants at a depth that keeps crowns just at soil level and maintain even moisture through the growing season. It is rated H7 (fully hardy), so established clumps tolerate typical UK winters without extra winter protection. Dicentra spectabilis suits mixed borders, woodland garden edges and shaded garden pockets where spring interest is wanted; place it where flowering stems can be seen before taller perennials close overhead. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so avoid planting where children or pets might browse the foliage or stems.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dicentra

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Dicentra spectabilis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.6 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Woodland gardens, Shade gardens

Native to

Northeast China, Korean peninsula

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dicentra spectabilis

Cultivation

Prefers partial shade; keep soil moist and well-drained; mulch to retain moisture

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Propagation

Division, Seed

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions