Dicentra spectabilis ‘Valentine’ (Bleeding Heart)

Noted for its brilliant floral display, Dicentra spectabilis ‘Valentine’ (Bleeding Heart) is a graceful perennial which produces dozens of arching flower stems adorned with dangling, heart-shaped, rich scarlet-red flowers with protruding white petals. Emerging purple-flushed soft green, the leaves mature to gray green in great contrast with the vibrant flowers. Blooming for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer, it tends to decline or even disappear in mid-summer. However, if it is kept well-watered during the spring, dormancy may be delayed until late summer or early fall. Great for shaded borders or woodland gardens, plant it among other perennials such as hosta, astilbe, pulmonaria or ferns to fill in the space left by its foliage when going dormant.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows in a clump, up to 30 in. tall and wide (75 cm).
• 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. Great for shaded borders or woodland gardens, plant it among other perennials such as hosta, astilbe, pulmonaria or ferns to fill in the space left by its foliage when going dormant. Great as fresh cut flowers: the racemes make delightful additions to fresh bouquets, lasting about 2 weeks in a vase.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by root cuttings in winter.
• 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.
• Dicentra spectabilis species is native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan.