12 Popular Types Of Dicentra Pictorial Guide

12 Most Popular Types Of Dicentra Pictorial Guide

Dicentra is a genus of floral plants of the Papaveraceae family. The genus comprises approximately 20 species of herbaceous perennials native to the northern hemisphere, including Asia and North America. The common name for the plant is bleeding heart due to its unique heart-shaped flowers with a droplet-like appendage at the base, which resembles a drop of blood.

Dicentra species grow in a range of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. They are known for their delicate foliage and arching stems, which support the pendulous flowers. The leaves are usually blue-green or gray-green and are deeply cut, giving them a fern-like appearance.

The flowers of Dicentra species are typically pink or white, with some species having red or yellow blooms. They are usually produced in clusters or racemes, and each individual flower has two petal-like sepals and four petals. The inner two petals are fused at the base to form a heart shape, which gives the plant its common name.

Dicentra is a popular garden plant, prized for its unique flowers and graceful foliage. It prefers cool, moist conditions and is often planted in shaded borders or woodland gardens. The plants are also suitable for growing in containers or hanging baskets.

There are several popular species of Dicentra used in gardening, including Dicentra spectabilis, which is commonly known as old-fashioned bleeding heart. This species is native to Japan and is valued for its large, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. Another popular species is Dicentra formosa, also known as western bleeding heart. This species is native to North America and has delicate, fern-like foliage and dainty pink or white flowers.

In addition to their ornamental value, some species of Dicentra have been used in traditional medicine. Dicentra cucullaria, also known as Dutchman’s breeches, has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. Native American tribes used the plant to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, rheumatism, and toothaches.

However, it is important to note that many species of Dicentra are toxic if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to handle the plants with gloves and keep them away from children and pets.

In conclusion, Dicentra is a beautiful and fascinating genus of flowering plants. Its unique heart-shaped flowers and fern-like foliage make it a popular choice for gardens and container plantings. However, it is important to handle the plants with care due to their toxic properties. Whether used for ornamental purposes or medicinal purposes, Dicentra is a genus that deserves to be appreciated and admired for its unique and charming qualities.

Here are the 12 Popular Types Of Dicentra Pictorial Guide:

Dicentra Uniflora

Dicentra Uniflora, commonly known as the Western Bleeding Heart, is a small, delicate perennial herb native to western North America. It is characterized by its pink or white, heart-shaped flowers that hang from slender stems above fern-like foliage. It prefers moist, shaded habitats in alpine and subalpine regions and blooms from late spring to mid-summer.

Dicentra Spectabilis

Dicentra Spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia. It is characterized by its unique heart-shaped pink and white flowers that bloom in early spring, hanging gracefully from arching stems above fern-like foliage. Bleeding Heart is a popular garden plant and is often used in borders, woodland gardens, and shady areas.

Dicentra Peregrina

Dicentra Peregrina is a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the Papaveraceae family. It is commonly known as the wanderer’s bleeding heart or wild bleeding heart and is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. The plant has delicate, fern-like foliage and produces graceful arching stems of pink or white, heart-shaped flowers in the spring. It prefers cool, moist environments and is often found growing in shaded areas such as forests and rocky slopes.

Dicentra Pauciflora

Dicentra Pauciflora is a small, herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Papaveraceae family. It is commonly known as the Siberian bleeding heart or few-flowered bleeding heart, and is native to the subarctic regions of North America and Asia. The plant produces delicate, pink, heart-shaped flowers in early summer, which are held above fern-like foliage. It is well-suited to rock gardens, alpine plantings, and other areas with well-draining soil and cooler temperatures.

Dicentra Ochroleuca

Dicentra Ochroleuca is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to western North America. It is commonly known as the cream-colored bleeding heart or white-flowered bleeding heart and is characterized by its delicate, heart-shaped white flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer. It typically grows in shady, moist habitats such as woodlands, meadows, and streambanks.

Dicentra Macrocapnos

Dicentra Macrocapnos is a species of flowering plant in the family Fumariaceae. It is commonly known as the fern-leaf bleeding heart or squirrel corn, and is native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The plant produces delicate, fern-like leaves and pink or white heart-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, and is often used in shady areas or woodland gardens.

Dicentra Formosa

Dicentra Formosa, commonly known as the Pacific Bleeding Heart, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to the western coastal regions of North America. It is known for its distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers, which bloom in spring and summer. The plant prefers moist, shady habitats such as forests and can often be found growing along streambanks and in woodland clearings. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping, but is also used for medicinal purposes by some Indigenous peoples.

Dicentra Eximia

Dicentra Eximia is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, commonly known as the fringed bleeding heart or wild bleeding heart. It produces delicate, heart-shaped flowers with pink or white petals that bloom from spring to early summer, and it is often used in ornamental gardening for its attractive appearance. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, and is commonly found in woodland areas and along streams.

Dicentra Cucullaria

Dicentra Cucullaria, commonly known as Dutchman’s breeches, is a flowering plant native to eastern North America. Its delicate white and pink flowers resemble pantaloons hanging upside down from a clothesline, giving it a unique and charming appearance. It typically blooms in early spring and prefers shaded woodland habitats with moist, well-drained soils.

Dicentra Chrysantha

Dicentra Chrysantha is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family, native to California and northern Mexico. Commonly known as the golden eardrop, it produces distinct, bright yellow, heart-shaped flowers that hang from arching stems. It typically grows in shaded or moist areas, such as along stream banks or under trees.

Dicentra Canadensis

Dicentra Canadensis is a species of perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is commonly known as Squirrel Corn or Wild Bleeding Heart due to its small white or pink heart-shaped flowers and corn-like kernels on its root system. The plant grows to a height of 30-45 cm and prefers moist, shaded areas such as woodland or forest floors. It is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Dicentra Alba

Dicentra Alba, also known as White Bleeding Heart or White Fringed Bleeding heart, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It grows up to 60 cm tall and produces delicate white flowers with distinctive heart-shaped petals. The plant prefers shady, moist environments and blooms in the spring to early summer. It is commonly cultivated in gardens for its ornamental value.

How To Grow And Care For Dicentra

Dicentra, commonly known as bleeding heart, is a genus of perennial flowering plants that are well-loved for their heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. These plants prefer cool, moist conditions and can be grown in shaded areas of the garden. Here are some tips for growing and caring for Dicentra:

Choose the right location: Dicentra prefers a cool, shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. They are also tolerant of slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Planting: Plant Dicentra in the spring or fall. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and plant the root ball at the same level as it was in the container. Water the field well after planting.

Watering: Maintain a constant moisture level in the soil that is not flooded. During droughts, you should water deeply once a week or perhaps more frequently.

Fertilizing: Dicentra does not require much fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth.

Mulching: To assist a plant maintain moisture and control weeds, mulch the area surrounding its base.

Pruning: After the flowers have faded, cut the stems back to the ground to promote new growth. Dicentra may also benefit from a light pruning in mid-summer to promote bushier growth.

Pest and disease control: Dicentra is generally free of pests and diseases but can occasionally be affected by slugs, snails, and powdery mildew. Use slug and snail bait as needed and treat powdery mildew with a fungicide.

With these tips, you should be able to successfully grow and care for Dicentra in your garden.

How To Propagate Dicentra

Dicentra, also known as Bleeding Heart, is a beautiful and delicate perennial plant that is popular in gardens due to its unique heart-shaped flowers. Propagating dicentra is relatively easy and can be done in two ways: by division or by seed.

Division:

Wait until the plant has finished flowering and is starting to die back.
Carefully dig up the entire plant and gently shake off any excess soil.
Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the plant into smaller clumps, making sure that each clump has at least one healthy shoot and a good root system.
Replant the clumps in well-draining soil, making sure to water thoroughly.

Seed:

Collect the seed pods from the plant once they have turned brown and are starting to split open.
Remove the seeds from the pod and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
In the early spring, sow the seeds in a well-prepared bed of soil. You can also start them indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Add a small layer of dirt over the seeds, then gently water them.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide the seedlings with plenty of light.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into their own pots or into the garden.

Both methods of propagation are effective and can result in healthy and beautiful Dicentra plants.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Dicentra

Dicentra is commonly known as “bleeding heart” due to the unique heart-shaped flowers with a droplet of blood-like color at the bottom.
There are around 20 species of Dicentra, and they are mostly grown for their attractive foliage and stunning flowers.
Dicentra plants are herbaceous perennials, which means they die back to the ground each year and grow again from the roots in the following season.
The plant prefers a cool, moist environment and does well in shade or partial shade.
Dicentra spectabilis, also known as old-fashioned bleeding heart, is one of the most popular species of Dicentra and has been grown in gardens since the 1800s.
The sap of Dicentra plants contains toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation, so it is best to handle them with gloves.
Dicentra species are important sources of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Dicentra plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as high blood pressure, liver diseases, and cancer.
Some species of Dicentra, such as Dicentra formosa, are considered endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection for ornamental purposes.
Dicentra is also a popular subject for botanical art and is often featured in paintings and drawings due to its unique and intricate flowers.