Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts) have always been a treasured perennial among gardeners for their famous heart-shaped, spring-time flowers. Now with so many varieties that seem to bloom all summer, we think this old-time favorite has something new to talk about . Our Heart Series has flowers that are showy, foliage that is frilly and they bloom non-stop! What more could you ask for in a perennial? Remember, this genus is a great option for all the gardeners who want colorful flowers in the shade.
Plant: Plant so the crown is centered in the pot and the eyes are 1" below the soil surface.
Root Prunning: For 'spectabilis' types with large fleshy roots, prune roots so plants easily fit in containers. Do not leave crowns or eyes exposed above the soil level. For 'fern-leaf' types with more fibrous roots, gently spread out roots at the time of planting. Plant deep enough so crowns are not exposed.
Grow: Best to grow cool at 50 - 55F min. night temperatures to allow proper root growth prior to shoot development. Growing too warm will cause shoots to grow too fast, resulting in spindly growth and poor pot presentation. Grow in full sun for early spring crops. For late spring and early summer production, and as light intensities and temperatures rise, a 30% shade may be required.
Water: Keep evenly moist. To prevent diseases, water early in the day and keep foliage dry.
| Growing Temperature: | 50-55° F |
|---|---|
| Soil pH: | 5.8-6.4 |
| Fertility: | |
| Pests and Diseases: | Downy mildew, Fusarium, powdery mildew, rust, Sclerotium and Verticillium wilt may occasionally be observed. Aphids, caterpillars, fungus gnat larva, slugs, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies commonly feed on dicentra. |
| Potting and Timing: | Plant bare root plants in late winter to spring. Small plugs are best planted in late summer and bulked before vernalization. |
| Moisture: | Most dicentra prefer moderate moisture.
'Pink Diamonds' performs best in well-drained media and will suffer if kept too wet. |
| Planting Level: | Eyes slightly below the soil line. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | If height control is required, one to two applications of PGRs should provide adequate height control. |
| Lighting: | Many Dicentra prefer moderate shade in production. |
