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Dicentra formosa (Western bleeding heart)

Dicentra formosa Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Dicentra formosa dy-SEN-trah for-MOE-sah Common Name: Western bleeding heart Genus: Dicentra
Don't let its delicate appearance fool you: Western bleeding heart is hardy and tenacious. This elegant, herbaceous perennial spreads slowly from rhizomes to form drifts of soft blue-green, ferny foliage in shady woodland areas. Above the leaves in late spring, pink heart-shaped flowers hang gracefully from long, arched stems, attracting scores of hummingbirds but not the local deer. It is surprisingly drought tolerant during the summer months.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Ferny foliage; pink, heart-shaped flowers; attracts hummingbirds.
 Care: Grow in partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
 Propagation: Divide in early spring.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant;Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds; Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Late Spring
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Style , Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest
Type ,Perennials

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