How to plant dicentras (lamprocapnos)

Formely known as dicentras spectabilis, lamprocapnoses spectabilis or bleeding hearts produce charming pendant heart-shaped droplets with white tips above fern-like leaves. Gracefully dangling in the breeze, these beautiful perennials look especially good planted near shrubs or amongst ferns and other perennial plants that will allow their arching stems and soft deep cut leaves to mingle through the foliage. Try mixing with pink-white with red, white or deep pink tulips and alba with pink, lilac or white-green tulips.

Plant in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that is slightly alkaline, preferably in the shade — although they will also grow in the sun as long as the soil remains moist.

Lamprocapnoses are supplied as bare-root plants. Always unpack and plant on arrival.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

Generally, dicentras do not suffer from any serious diseases. However, they may be affected by snails and slugs that willl enjoy munching on young shoots, stems, leaves and flowers. Watch out for damage!