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Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding heart, Lyre flower)

Dicentra spectabilis Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(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 spectabilis dy-SEN-trah spek-TAB-il-iss Common Name: Bleeding heart, Lyre flower Genus: Dicentra
A garden favorite for many years, bleeding heart has soft green foliage and 1-inch-long rose pink and white heart-shaped flowers for several weeks in spring. Plants can form clumps 3 feet across and almost as tall. Foliage generally goes dormant in summer, so be sure to choose companion plants carefully so there isn't an empty space left in the garden. Beautiful in a border or woodland garden.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Arching stems of little pink hearts that "bleed" white.
 Care: Grow in moist, humusy soil in part shade. Can take full sun in reliably moist soil. Prefers neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Protect from wind and frost.
 Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Divide carefully in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Insert root cuttings in winter.
 Problems: Downy mildew, Verticillium wilt, viruses, rust, and fungal leaf spots can occur. Slugs and snails may eat new growth.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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