Dicentra Valentine

Description

Dicentra ‘Valentine’ – bleeding heart

Botanical name: Dicentra spectabilis ‘Valentine’
Common names: Bleeding heart
Family: Papaveraceae (poppy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, with arching stems
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–75cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Divided, blue-green foliage on dark red-tinted stems; deciduous, dying back after flowering
Flowers: Arching stems hung with rows of dangling, cherry-red heart-shaped lockets with white tips, in late spring to early summer (April–June)
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 ‘Valentine’ is a striking red bleeding heart, its arching stems hung with rows of cherry-red, white-tipped dangling hearts over blue-green foliage on dark stems in late spring. Elegant for 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 in a spring border or woodland garden. Space appropriately for size. Keep moist.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance in moist shade. Keep the soil from drying out. After flowering the whole plant naturally dies back and goes dormant for summer, so mark its position to avoid disturbing it, and plant later-emerging neighbours nearby to fill the gap. 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

‘Valentine’ is a gorgeous red-flowered bleeding heart, its cherry-red white-tipped lockets dangling from dark red-tinted stems above blue-green foliage — richer and more dramatic than the old pink sort. Like the classic bleeding heart it’s summer-dormant, dying back after flowering, so mark its spot and plant later neighbours to fill the gap, and keep it moist in shade.

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