Dicentra spectabilis

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Papaveraceae

Order

Ranunculales

Genus

Lamprocapnos

Species

spectabilis

Description

A deciduous, perennial herb with a clump-forming habit, whose sinuous form is defined by arched stems bearing, from late spring to early summer, numerous pink and white flowers with a characteristic heart-shaped form, which give it the common name ‘Heart of Mary’. Suitable for flowerbeds and borders, including in combinations with other ornamental plants of varying growth habits and heights, provided they too require partial shade, in order to create perspective views of high landscape value.

curiosity and special features

The white and red heart-shaped flowers, borne on raceme inflorescences, have earned them common names such as ‘Cuor di Maria’ or ‘Bleeding Heart’.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the region stretching from north-eastern China to North Korea.

Leaf

The leaves have a bipinnate leaf blade.

Leaf color

Plain, light green.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.6 to 0.8 m.

Lifespan

Deciduous herbaceous perennial.

Suggested planting locations

Ideal for adding a touch of uniqueness and elegance to flowerbeds, balconies, borders, large pots and terraces.

Stem/stem

The stems are herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is heart-shaped and medium-sized, with two-coloured petals. It grows in raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early summer, with a flowering period of between 30 and 90 days.

Growth

Vigorous Growth Plant.

Plant habit

It develops a bushy habit.

branching

It has a moderate branching pattern with arching stems.

pH

It requires a substrate or soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.2.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the garden, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients needed for the seedling’s initial growth, and break up any large clods to make the soil looser and improve the distribution of the fertiliser. Add organic matter and level the surface carefully.

sun exposure

It requires a position in partial shade or dappled shade; avoid direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C during the growing season. It does not tolerate dry, hot conditions but can withstand the winter cold.

Use

Owing to its size and elegant blooms, it is widely appreciated and used for:
Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping As a cut flower, for cut foliage

Hardiness

Of medium to high rusticity.

Soil/medium

It requires moist, cool and well-amended soil.

For growing in pots, choose a good-quality potting mix specifically designed for ornamental plants that flower in spring and summer, containing peat and perlite to ensure proper drainage of excess water.

Maintenance

It is easy to grow provided the right growing conditions are ensured. The low level of maintenance required makes it even more practical.

cultivation tips

Some specific growing guidelines to ensure proper vegetative growth and abundant flowering:
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day This plant adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen ground. It prefers a cool climate In summer, it is best to place the plants in sunny spots only in the morning or in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Composition

Ideal for compact, colourful flowerbed arrangements, and can also be combined with flowers of varying heights to create a sense of depth; colour combinations may feature shades of the same hue or an alternating pattern, creating arrangements with other species such as Aquilegia, Campanula, Hosta, Iris, Tiarella and ferns.

planting

An average density of6 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure the proper development of each plant’s root system and foliage, thereby achieving a harmonious and proportionate final arrangement. Do not bury the collar; the growing medium should settle firmly around the roots, but the basal crowns must not be covered. Water after planting to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

pruning

When the plant enters dormancy, remove the dried-out above-ground parts.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is carried out by seed, cuttings and root division.

Irrigation

Dicentra spectabilis requires a growing medium or soil that is kept constantly moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, taking care to avoid both waterlogging and periods of dryness.

To maintain constant soil moisture, it is advisable to apply a layer of mulch, which also helps to prevent weeds from growing.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil. Once the plant has fully settled into its new location, during the spring, apply a fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants to the growing medium or soil; this should be applied in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the watering water, taking care not to exceed the recommended frequency or dosage.

Do not apply fertiliser to dry compost or soil; it should be moist.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

advise 1

The plant tends to enter a dormant phase in the summer heat, causing the above-ground parts to wither; for this reason, it may be useful to spread a layer of mulch over the soil surface to carefully control any weeds that may take hold. Mulch also helps to retain soil moisture more effectively, keeping the roots cooler. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, avoiding periods of drought which can lead to the plant’s death.