Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)

Vigorous, sun and heat tolerant, Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart) is a compact, bushy perennial noted for its arching sprays of large, deep rose heart-shaped flowers. Blooming over a very long season extending from late spring to early fall in cool summer climates, the flowers dangle gracefully above a sumptuous foliage mound of feathery, finely-divided, blue-green 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 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 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, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, banks and slopes, edging, underplanting shrubs.
• 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
• 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.