Dicentra eximia
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Dicentra
spectabilis
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May
'Plant of the Month'
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra eximia
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Dicentra
spectabilis
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Since these plants are so similar I have combined them together for the Plant of the Month. The only big difference between the two is the foliage and bloom time.
Native to woodlands, this shade loving perennial is an excellent addition to any garden. The name bleeding heart describes the unique flowers, which resemble tiny pink or white hearts with drops of blood at the bottom. D. eximia has a fernlike bluish-green foliage, while D. spectabilis has a palmately-compound leaf. Dicentra formosa, the Western Bleeding Heart, is very similar to D. eximia.
Size: D. eximia grows to 10"-18" -- D. spectabilis grows
to 12"-30"
Habit: Rounded clump
Bloom Season:
This is one big difference between these plants. D. eximia
will bloom in early summer and will hold flowers until first frost, but only if the soil
is kept moist. D.spectabilis will bloom in late spring or early summer for about four
weeks and then the plant dies back.
Culture:
Partial shade with rich, organic, moist soil. Will tolerate full sun if given enough
moisture. Does not like wet soil in the winter or dry soil in the summer. Mulch plants for
the first winter so they will become established.
Utilization: Rock garden, the shaded border garden, wild flower garden, cut-flower garden,
Propagation:
Division in the spring is the easiest way, however be delicate with this plant.
Disease and Insects:
Aphids and Stem rot.
Climate Range:
Zone 4-8 Zones 3 and 9 are also possible.
Cultivars:
D. eximia, D. formosa and D. spectabilis
- 'Adrian Bloom' Crimson-red flowers, blue green foliage
- 'Alba' White flowers
- 'Bountiful' Deep pink flowers Heavy bloomer at beginning and end of season.
- 'Luxuriant' One of the most common varieties, has cherry-red flower, green fernlike foliage
- 'Snow Drift' White flowers
- 'Pantaloons' Robust white flowering selection
'Plant of the Month' Archive
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