Dicentra formosa
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Description
Native to California coastal woods, this variety has a larger, coarser foliage than other Dicentra varieties. It can reach 1' tall and 3' wide quickly. Foliage is fern-like and blue-green. Pink heart shaped flowers appear in spring, hanging downwards from thin vertical stalks. Hummingbirds and bees love the flowers. Deer usually stay away. This perennial does best in part to full shade. It needs well draining, moist, fertile soil.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
Under 1', 1-3'
Width Range
Under 1', 1-3'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Blue Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Rich, Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
English Cottage, Woodland
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Walkways
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.
Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.