How to Grow Dicentra

Dicentra are low maintenance perennials which are commonly referred to as the ‘bleeding heart’ flower. This is due to their delicate heart-shaped blooms that dangle elegantly from long, slender stems. Subtle fern-like foliage creates a perfect structure to these blooms and provides a picturesque backdrop in borders and beds in courtyard gardens and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Dicentra grow to an approximate height and spread of 35cm (14”).

Dicentra prefer soil that is humus rich, containing plenty of organic matter in conditions such as clay, loam or chalk within an alkaline or neutral PH balance. They will require regular watering at the time of planting, which is usually during the spring or autumn and will benefit from a supplementary layer of compost that is worked well into the soil. Ensure that Dicentra are positioned in an area of full shade or part shade.

Mulch Dicentra with shredded leaves to retain moisture levels whilst providing further nourishment to the planting area. After the flowering period, you may find that the foliage looks a little worse for wear. If this is the case, you may wish to cut it back to the ground. Dicentra are intolerant to both extremely wet and dry soil conditions, although they will require a regular watering regime to flourish and thrive.

It is possible to propagate Dicentra by division during early spring or once the leaves have died back. Alternatively, you can propagate Dicentra by root cuttings during the winter.