Dicentra spectabilis BLEEDING HEART (4 seeds)

Bleeding Heart, also known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), is a perennial plant belonging to the Papaveraceae family.
Native to Asia, this fast-growing beauty reaches 70 to 80 cm in height. There are about twenty different varieties, producing a wide palette of floral colors.

Its foliage is delicate and finely divided, featuring a bright green color that contrasts beautifully with the blooms. The leaflets, often arranged alternately along the stems, add a light, airy texture to the garden.

The pink flowers are undoubtedly its most iconic feature. Shaped like hearts, they hang gracefully from arched stems, creating an enchanting display in the spring. While typically rose-pink, white varieties also exist. The flowers are grouped in clusters, forming a cascade of delicate colors. Their subtle fragrance adds another dimension to their visual appeal, making them a must-have for shaded gardens.

Fuits are small capsules containing the seeds. These brownish capsules play an essential role in reproduction; upon reaching maturity in late June, they split open to release the seeds. Flowering occurs in spring, typically during the month of May.

Bleeding Heart seeds are small, round, very hard, shiny, and black.

- Properties / Uses:

This ornamental plant brings a romantic touch to any garden. Associated with love, it is a magnificent, atypical, and very hardy plant. In addition to its hanging blooms, its delicate light green foliage is perfect for decorating terraces. It pairs beautifully with other spring plants, allowing for stunning compositions in flower beds or borders.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The ideal period to sow Bleeding Heart seeds typically begins in March to allow for natural stratification (cold treatment).
• Once stratified, sow the seeds in a tray with fine potting soil.
• Cover them with 1 to 2 millimeters of soil.
• Water using a sprayer and allow them to germinate at a temperature near 15°C.
• Germination generally begins 2 to 3 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

This plant prefers humus-rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic substrate. It thrives in soils with abundant organic matter. Adding compost or potting soil during planting will significantly promote its growth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It appreciates partial to full shade. It develops best in light shade, where it is protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Too much sun can cause water stress and damage the delicate leaves.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This is a very hardy plant that thrives in moderate temperatures between 10 and 20°C. It is capable of resisting temperatures as low as -30°C in winter. However, it prefers the cool conditions of spring and autumn and may suffer during excessive summer heat.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

Watering must be regular, particularly during dry spells and after initial planting. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plant is recommended to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It reproduces mainly through seeds or by dividing the clumps starting in November. Dividing the plant every three to four years is recommended to maintain its health and increase the number of specimens.

- Pests / Diseases:

Due to its resistant nature, it is generally bothered by few predators, with the exception of aphids and slugs, which may damage its leaves.