Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart)

Native to the eastern United States, Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart) is a compact, bushy perennial adorned with a ferny, much dissected, gray-green foliage that persists throughout the growing season and does not go summer dormant if given adequate moisture. Blooming freely over a long period extending from early spring to frost, charming clusters of small rose-pink buds open to reveal pale to dark pink, nodding, heart-shaped blossoms that dance gracefully above the lush foliage mound. Flowering will stop in the heat of the summer (particularly in the hotter climates) and may start again in late summer or early fall. A reliable performer, Dicentra eximia resembles the showier Asian Bleeding Heart (D. spectabilis), which is often cultivated in eastern gardens and usually goes dormant by mid-summer. Heat tolerant if planted in rich, moist soil in shade, Dicentra eximia is an excellent choice for southern gardens.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm). Will colonize very slowly by rhizomes and self-seeding.
• Thrives in part shade and is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It is full shade tolerant, but be aware that too much shade will result in few flowers.
• Great for shaded beds and borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens, underplanting shrubs, or as a ground cover.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Deer and rabbit resistant
• Propagate by seed sown immediately or in the spring after a cold-moist period. Can also be increased rapidly by division in fall or early spring.
• Native wildflower of the eastern United States.
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• All parts cause severe discomfort if eaten.