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Herbaceous Perennial

Dicentra formosa 'Bacchanal'

bleeding heart 'Bacchanal'

A spreading rhizomatous perennial with finely divided grey-green leaves and short racemes of nodding, deep crimson flowers in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Dicentra 'Bacchanal'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline; site in partial shade although will tolerate sun if the soil is moist

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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