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Western bleeding heart

Dicentra formosa

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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 CharacteristicsFerny foliage; pink, heart-shaped flowers; attracts hummingbirds.

CareGrow in partial shade and moist, fertile soil.

PropagationDivide in early spring.

  • Genus : Dicentra
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Plant Height : 6 to 12 inches
  • Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Showy Foliage
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Bloom Time : Late Spring
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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