Buy bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis) Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis)

bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis)

Arching sprays of dainty, rose-pink, heart-shaped flowers appear in late spring above fern-like, fresh green leaves. Easy to grow, it looks fabulous planted in groups towards the front of a shady border or as part of a cottage garden scheme. As long as the ground is kept moist, it will thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Lamprocapnos spectabilis is one of the earliest perennials into flower, but the foliage does die back after flowering, so it is best mixed amongst summer flowers, which can then maintain interest in the border.

How to care for Lamprocapnos spectabilis:

Plant in well-drained soil improved with organic matter, in a spot that gets sun or light shade; it’s more tolerant than Lamprocapnos species, so it will cope well with a brighter position as long as the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially while it’s establishing, but avoid overly wet conditions.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep new blooms coming, and trim back lightly if it starts to look untidy through the season. Unlike older cultivated varieties, it won’t die back early, so leave the foliage in place and simply cut it down in late autumn or early spring, finishing with a mulch of compost to keep it healthy year to year.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.2m

Eventual spread:

0.5m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.