Dicentra spectabilis Valentine

Dicentra spectabilis Valentine is a recently new addition to the Bleeding Heart family, and what a romantic name. Up to fifteen, nodding, pink-red heart-shaped flowers gracefully hang from each dark red arching stem over clumps of attractive, ferny foliage. There occurs some die back after flowering, allowing the summer and autumn perennials more room to perform. Often known as Lamprocapnos, Dicentra spectabilis Valentine is one of the most elegant garden perennials for shady areas. Dicentra are known for their graceful heart-shaped flowers. When you pick a flower, turn it upside down and squeeze - you will see the reason children have named this plant, 'Lady in the Bath'. (The 'lady' throws her arms up in horror at being spied in her bathtub!) Originating on the edges of cool woodlands in Asia and North America, Dicentra became one of the most popular plants for gardens in the 1800's and are still much-loved today. Dicentra are very easy to grow, are deer and rabbit resistant and prefer to be in moist soil in part shade, although they will grow in sun as long as the soil doesn't dry out. Growing to a height and spread of approximately 80cm, Dicentra spectabilis Valentine is a fully hardy perennial, which means you will be enjoying them for years to come without the need for any winter protection.