About

This compact herbaceous perennial to 35cm in height, with finely dissected grey-green leaves and arching sprays of deep rosy-pink flowers.

About the genus

Dicentra can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided leaves and pendent, heart-shaped flowers, usually in arching panicles or racemes

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityAll parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline; site in partial shade in a sheltered position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free