Dicentra formosa (Pacific Bleeding Heart)

Native to western North America, Dicentra formosa (Pacific Bleeding Heart) is a wide-spreading rhizomatous perennial adorned with a gray-green, finely divided foliage and short racemes of nodding, heart-shaped, pink flowers flushed with lavender. Up to 10 flowers occur on a one-sided inflorescence. Blooming from spring to mid-summer, the flowers dangle gracefully above the lush foliage mound. Flowering will stop in the heat of the summer and may start again in late summer to early fall. A reliable performer that is excellent for rock gardens or as a groundcover.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm). Will self-seed readily and spread by rhizomes to form colonies.
• 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, rock gardens, underplanting shrubs or as a groundcover.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by seed, sowing seeds as soon as ripe or in spring.
• 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 to animals as well. Although aesthetically pleasing, this plant contains soquinoline alkaloids. Alkaloids negatively affect animals, most commonly cattle, sheep, and dogs.