Family: Fumariaceae
Common Name: Bleeding Heart, Dutchman's Breeches

These annuals and perennials from the colder parts of North America and northern Asia are mostly woodland plants, often originating in cool mountain areas. They have fibrous, rhi­zomatous or tuberous roots and pretty, lantern-like, pendulous flowers, borne on arching stems, from spring through summer.

Species

D. cucullaria, Dutchman's breeches, zone 5, is a tuberous species, to 25 cm (10 in), with white, yellow-tipped, pendulous, spurred flowers.

D. formosa, wild bleeding heart, zone 6, grows to 45 cm (18 in). It has a fleshy rhi­zome and dainty, spurred, rose-purple flowers.

D. spectabilis, Western bleeding heart, from japan, has long been a favourite. It grows to 1 m (3 ft), with delicate rose red flowers. 'Alba' has white flowers.

Cultivation

If tried in warmer areas, Dicentra must be positioned in a shady spot; in cooler areas, it will grow in either light shade or full sun provided the soil does not dry out at the roots. 'these plants should be well mulched to help them retain moisture. They prefer a rich loam soil, with some protection from wind. Propagate by seed or by careful division of the brittle roots in spring. To encourage good blooms, apply a light, liquid fertilizer prior to flowering.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.