Dicentra formosa

©2005

WESTERN BLEEDING HEART, PACIFIC BLEEDING HEART
syn. D. eximia
Family: Fumariaceae

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Western North America.
Plant Group: Perennial.

©2000

Hardiness: Sunset zones: 1-9,14-24. USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size: Height: 18 inches (45 cm). Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period: Mid spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes: Pink flowers on racemes held above foliage.
Leaf attributes: Blue-green fern-like foliage.
Growth habit: Rhizomatous spreading
Light: Shade to full sun.
Soil: humus rich, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods: Sow in containers and keep at temperatures of 64-71ºF (18-22ºC) for 2-4 weeks. Then move to reduced temperatures of 24-39ºF (-4 to +4ºC) for 4-6 weeks. Move to temperatures of 41-53ºF5 (-12ºC) until the seeds germinate. | Divide in early spring or after plant has gone dormant.

Rainy Side Notes

This beautiful Northwest native should find a place in everyone's garden. In the wild I have seen D. formosa growing under our native Salmon berries at the same time and love the scene.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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