About
Dielytra is a genus of herbaceous flowering perennials containing eight species and characterised by heart-shaped, bisymmetric flowers and finely divided foliage. Individual blooms have four petals with the outer pair often spurred at the base. Leaves typically form a basal rosette while flowers are carried on leafless stalks. The genus is native primarily to North America, with several species in temperate East Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra
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.
In the garden
Dielytra comprises eight herbaceous perennial species noted for their distinctive heart-shaped, bisymmetric flowers and finely divided leaves. The genus occurs mainly in North America with additional species in temperate East Asia and belongs to the family Q144723. Flower structure includes four petals with the outer petals often spurred or pouched at the base, and plants bear foliage in basal rosettes while blooms arise on leafless stalks. Plants perform best where conditions resemble a cool, shaded woodland: sheltered sites with consistent moisture and a supply of humus suit them. A location with dappled shade or morning sun will protect the foliage and help retain soil moisture; adding leaf mould or well-rotted compost at planting improves structure and feeding without artificial inputs. Avoid prolonged drought at the root zone to maintain healthy foliage. In a UK garden, Dielytra fits woodland and shaded herbaceous borders, beneath deciduous trees or shrubs, and in any planting that aims to replicate a forest floor. Give space for the basal rosette to develop and position flowering stems where they can be seen above surrounding planting. Flowers are borne on leafless stalks above the finely divided basal leaves, a useful identification feature when the plant is in bloom.