Dicentra Luxuriant

Description

Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’ – fern-leaved bleeding heart

Botanical name: Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’
Common names: Fern-leaved bleeding heart
Family: Papaveraceae (poppy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mound-forming, spreading
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–40cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Ferny, finely divided, blue-green foliage forming a low mound; deciduous
Flowers: Arching sprays of small, deep cherry-red locket-shaped flowers over a long season from late spring through summer (May–September)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade (tolerates some morning sun in moist soil)
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich; dislikes drying out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Sheltered; protect from cold winds
Native range: Garden form; native to Asia or North America depending on type
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; harmful if eaten, and the sap may cause skin irritation; handle with care and wear gloves

Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’ is a long-flowering fern-leaved bleeding heart with deep cherry-red locket flowers over ferny blue-green foliage from late spring through summer. Superb for moist, shady borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A beautiful and much-loved perennial for shade, bleeding heart (Dicentra) is grown for its delicate, heart-shaped or locket-like flowers, which dangle in graceful rows from arching stems above pretty, ferny foliage. It is a classic plant for a moist, partly shaded border or woodland garden, bringing charm and elegance to cool, shady spots in spring and early summer.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, sheltered from cold, drying winds. Work in plenty of leaf mould. Ideal as long-flowering groundcover in a shady border or woodland garden. Space appropriately for size. Keep moist.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance in moist shade. Keep the soil from drying out. Deadhead or tidy spent flowers to keep it neat, and it will often keep flowering through summer. It does not die back in summer like the large bleeding heart. Cut back old growth in autumn. Mulch with leaf mould. Divide congested clumps carefully in early spring or after flowering.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide carefully in early spring or after flowering; the brittle roots need gentle handling.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist shade. Its main dislikes are drought and hot sun, which scorch the foliage. Slugs and snails may graze new growth. Otherwise easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb in moist, shady and woodland borders, and with ferns, hostas and other shade plants, where its dangling heart-shaped flowers and ferny foliage bring elegance and charm to cool, shady spots.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers are attractive to bees, especially long-tongued bumblebees, which are drawn to the dangling blooms.

Toxicity & safety

Bleeding heart has a low level of toxicity: it is harmful if eaten, and the sap may cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling and keep it away from children and pets who might chew it.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Luxuriant’ is a wonderful, long-flowering bleeding heart — unlike the big classic sort it doesn’t die back in summer, instead flowering on and off from late spring right through the season above pretty ferny blue-green foliage. It makes lovely groundcover in a moist, shady spot with ferns and hostas; just keep it moist, as drought scorches the delicate foliage.

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