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Dicentra ‘Burning Hearts’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)

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Incredibly pretty, Dicentra ‘Burning Hearts’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart) is a compact, bushy perennial noted for its arching sprays of large, deep cerise-rose, heart-shaped flowers edged in white. Blooming over a very long season extending from late spring to late summer in cool summer climates, the flowers dangle gracefully above a striking foliage mound of feathery, finely-divided, blue-gray leaves. In warmer areas, flowering will stop in the heat of the summer and may start again in late summer to early fall. Perfect to brighten a shady border or to enchant passersby all season long.

  • Grows in a compact clump, up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Unlike Common Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), it will not go dormant in midsummer as long as the soil is kept moist.
  • Thrives in part shade and is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, neutral or slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soils. It can be grown in full sun in the coolest part of its range provided the soil is kept consistently moist.
  • Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, underplanting shrubs.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Propagate by division or root cuttings.
  • If ingested, all parts may cause stomach upset, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Bleeding Heart plants are not only toxic to humans but animals as well. Although aesthetically pleasing, this plant contains soquinoline alkaloids. Alkaloids negatively affect animals, most commonly cattle, sheep, and dogs.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Dicentra
Common names Bleeding Heart
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dicentra ‘Stuart Boothman’ (Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra ‘Fire Island’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra formosa ‘Ivory Hearts’ (Pacific Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra formosa (Pacific Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum ‘Beach Party’ (Stonecrop)
Hosta ‘Golden Tiara’ (Plantain Lily)
Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ (Lungwort)
Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’ (Coral Bells)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
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30 Best Spring Flowers to Spruce up Your Garden
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How to Grow and Care for Bleeding Heart
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Dicentra
Common names Bleeding Heart
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Not sure which Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) to pick?
Compare Now

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