Dicentra cucullaria
Dutchman's breeches
A compact clump-forming, tuberous perennial with deeply lobed or cut, blue-green leaves up to 25cm long and producing white (or occasionally pink), yellow to greenish-yellow tipped flowers in early spring
Other common names
bachelor's breechesboys and girls
see morebreeches flower
butterfly banners
fly flower
Indian boys and girls
monk's hood
pantalon flower
soldier's cap
staggerweed
turkey corn
white eardrop
white heart
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow | Blue Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Dicentra can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided leaves and pendent, heart-shaped flowers, usually in arching panicles or racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E & N USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in gritty, well-drained but humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. The foliage dies down soon after flowering. It is best kept almost dry during summer dormancy
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by seed - sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be suscceptible to slugs and snails damaging emerging foliage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.