Dicentra: The Bleeding Heart of Your Garden

Dicentra, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a genus of approximately 20 species of flowering plants cherished for their unique heart-shaped flowers and delicate foliage. These captivating plants, with their graceful arching stems and dangling blooms, add a touch of whimsy and romance to any garden. This article explores the fascinating world of Dicentra, delving into its distinctive features, native habitat, landscaping uses, and essential planting and care tips.

What Makes Dicentra So Special? With their captivating floral display, Dicentra plants are a standout in any garden. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the heart-shaped flowers, which resemble miniature lockets. These pendulous blooms come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and even yellow. The flowers dangle delicately from gracefully arching stems, creating a captivating display that adds both movement and texture.

In addition to their unique flowers, Dicentra plants also boast attractive foliage. The leaves are often finely divided, giving them a fern-like appearance that adds a soft, textured element to the garden. The foliage color can range from gray-green to blue-green, providing an excellent backdrop for the vibrant blooms.

Dicentra plants are relatively low-maintenance and are a favorite of gardeners for several reasons. They are generally resistant to deer and rabbits due to their toxicity. It is important to note that all parts of Dicentra plants are poisonous if ingested by humans and animals. They are also excellent for attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.

Description and Details Dicentra plants are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge in spring. They typically grow in mounded clumps and can range in height from 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on the species and variety.

Botanical Characteristics The genus Dicentra belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and is native to moist woodland areas in Asia and North America. The flowers have two tiny sepals and four petals. The outer two petals are spurred or pouched at the base and curve outwards or backwards at the tip, while the inner two may have a crest at the tip. Dicentra plants are rhizomatous or tuberous perennials, with flowers dangling in arching panicles or racemes above the foliage. They bloom over a long season, extending from spring to early fall, in cooler climates. Some Dicentra, particularly D. spectabilis, go dormant in the heat of summer, especially in warmer climates. Interestingly, Dicentra seeds have fleshy structures known as elaiosomes to attract ants for dispersal.

Popular Varieties Dicentra offers a wide array of cultivars with diverse colors and foliage variations. Some of the most popular include:

• Dicentra spectabilis (Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart): Formerly known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis, this classic variety is known for its dramatic pink and white heart-shaped flowers that bloom in mid- to late spring. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
• Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (White Bleeding Heart): This cultivar of D. spectabilis features pure white flowers.
• Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Gold Heart Bleeding Heart): This cultivar stands out with its bright yellow-gold foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the pink and white flowers.
• Dicentra spectabilis 'Valentine' (Bleeding Heart): This newer cultivar features red heart-shaped flowers and dusky green foliage.
• Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart): This compact species has finely divided, fern-like foliage and produces clusters of small, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink to purplish-pink. It is more heat-tolerant than some other species and blooms from late spring to early fall.
• Dicentra formosa (Western Bleeding Heart): Native to the Western United States, this species has delicate, lavender-pink flowers, and fern-like foliage. It can tolerate drier conditions and is less likely to go dormant in summer. Cultivars include 'Aurora' (white flowers), 'Adrian Bloom' (crimson-rose flowers), 'Bacchanal' (deep wine-red flowers), 'Burning Hearts' (bright rose-red flowers lined in white), and 'Ivory White' (ivory white flowers).
• Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's Breeches): This North American native wildflower has unique white flowers that resemble upside-down pantaloons.
• Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn): Another North American native, this species has white flowers that resemble kernels of corn.

Native Habitat Dicentra species are native to moist woodland areas in Asia and North America. They thrive in cool, temperate, wet forests with excellent drainage. In their natural habitat, they are often found growing alongside ferns, hostas, mosses, and other shade-loving plants.

• Dicentra formosa is native to western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest, where it blooms between March and June. It prefers shady, moist places in low- to mid-elevation forests, woodlands, and streambanks. In 1792, the Scottish naturalist Archibald Menzies introduced D. formosa to Kew Gardens after finding it in Nootka Sound on the Vancouver Expedition.
• Dicentra eximia is native to the eastern United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains. It is typically found on wooded slopes, coves, and gorges.

Choosing native Dicentra species, like D. eximia and D. formosa, offers the added benefit of supporting local ecosystems and pollinators. These species have co-evolved with native pollinators and provide valuable nectar sources for hummingbirds and bumblebees.

Landscaping Design Tips Dicentra's unique beauty and adaptability make it a versatile plant for various garden settings. Here are some landscaping design tips for incorporating Dicentra into your garden:

• Shade Gardens: As a top choice for shade gardens, Dicentra thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens or shady borders. Plant them beneath trees or shrubs, where they can enjoy dappled sunlight.
• Woodland Gardens: Combine Dicentra with other shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and astilbes to create a lush, woodland setting.
• Cottage Gardens: Dicentra's delicate charm complements the informal and romantic style of cottage gardens.
• Rock Gardens: Smaller Dicentra species, like D. cucullaria and D. canadensis, are well-suited for rock gardens, where their delicate foliage and flowers can spill over rocks and crevices.
• Borders and Edging: Use Dicentra to create soft, flowing borders along walkways or to edge flower beds.
• Ground Cover: Some Dicentra species, like D. formosa, can be used as a ground cover in shady areas.

Companion Plants Dicentra pairs well with a variety of companion plants, including:

• Hostas
• Ferns
• Astilbes
• Hellebores
• Trilliums
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
• Aquilegia (Columbine)

When selecting companion plants, consider their bloom time, foliage texture, color, and cultural requirements to create a harmonious and visually appealing design.

Planting and Care Dicentra is relatively easy to grow and care for, but providing the right conditions will ensure its health and longevity. Dicentra is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, depending on the species.

Planting

• Timing: The best time to plant Dicentra is in spring or fall.
• Location: Choose a location with partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
• Soil: Dicentra prefers moist, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Spacing: Space plants according to their mature size, typically 1 to 3 feet apart.
• Planting Depth: Plant potted Dicentra with the crown at soil level. For bareroot Dicentra spectabilis, plant the crown 2 inches below the soil line, and for smaller bareroot varieties, plant the crown 1 inch below the soil line.

Care

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, as Dicentra does not tolerate soggy soil.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Cut back foliage to the ground in late fall or after a killing frost.
• Dividing: Divide plants every few years in early spring to maintain their vigor.
• Caution: Dicentra foliage may aggravate skin allergies, so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant.

Pests and Diseases Dicentra is generally pest- and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl.
• Slugs and Snails: These pests can chew holes in the foliage.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves.
• Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves.
• Root Rot: This fungal disease can occur in poorly drained soil.
• Crown Rot: This fungal disease is caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Plants may wilt and die, and a cobweb-like weft of white mycelium may be found on the lower stem.
• Wilt: Caused by Fusarium oxysporum, this disease infects the vascular tissues of plants, causing wilt symptoms by impairing water flow.
• Botrytis: Also known as gray mold, this fungal disease causes plants to turn brown, mushy, and soggy.

Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases if they arise.

Troubleshooting While Dicentra is generally low-maintenance, some common problems may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be caused by excessive sunlight or overwatering. Ensure the plant is in a location with appropriate shade and adjust watering as needed.
• Lack of Blooms: Insufficient sunlight or inadequate fertilization can lead to a lack of blooms. Ensure the plant receives adequate light and fertilize in spring.
• Browning Foliage: Browning foliage can be a sign of stress, often caused by excessive sunlight or pests. Assess the plant's surroundings and check for pests.
• Curling Leaves: Curling leaves may indicate aphid infestation. Check for aphids and take appropriate measures to control them.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance Dicentra holds various symbolic meanings and cultural significance in different cultures.

• Love and Romance: The heart-shaped flowers of Dicentra are often associated with love, romance, and passion. In American and British cultures, Dicentra is often exchanged as a symbol of true love.
• Heartbreak and Sorrow: In some cultures, Dicentra symbolizes sadness, heartbreak, and unrequited love. This association stems from the flower's name, "Bleeding Heart," and its resemblance to a heart with a drop of blood falling from it. Japanese folklore tells a tale of a prince who was rejected by a maiden and killed himself. The different parts of the Dicentra flower are said to represent the gifts he offered her and his bleeding heart.
• Purity and Innocence: White Bleeding Heart flowers are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence.
• Rebirth and Renewal: In some cultures, Dicentra is associated with springtime and new beginnings, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

In China, Lamprocapnos spectabilis is known as "purse peony" (荷包牡丹) due to the resemblance of the flowers to a traditional Chinese "good luck" purse. A Chinese tale tells of a skilled embroiderer whose creations were so lifelike that butterflies and bees tried to pollinate them. The immortals rewarded her by transforming her embroidered peonies into the "purse peony," and to this day, it is considered a love token and symbol of a marriage proposal.

Dicentra has also been used in traditional medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root of Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis) is used for detoxification, to improve blood circulation, and as an analgesic. Native Americans used Dicentra to treat coughs, dizziness, skin disorders, and insect bites.

Dicentra, with its captivating heart-shaped flowers and delicate foliage, is a truly special plant that can bring beauty and enchantment to any garden. Its unique appeal lies in the delicate, dangling blooms that evoke a sense of whimsy and romance. Dicentra is a versatile plant that thrives in various garden settings, particularly shade gardens where other plants may struggle. By understanding its preferences for shade, moist soil, and good drainage, gardeners can ensure its long-term success. Proper planting and care, including watering, fertilizing, and occasional division, will help maintain its vigor and encourage abundant blooms. Beyond its ornamental value, Dicentra holds cultural and symbolic significance in different cultures, representing love, sorrow, purity, and renewal. Whether gracing a woodland garden, adding a touch of charm to a cottage border, or symbolizing a heartfelt sentiment, Dicentra is a captivating plant that is sure to capture the hearts of gardeners everywhere.