Dicentra spectabilis - (L.)Lem.
(L.)Lem.
Bleeding Heart, Japanese Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Erik van Dijk
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Wolfgang Leopoldinger
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Karin Tigchelaar
Description
Dicentra spectabilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves in spring - cooked.
Known Hazards
The plant is potentially poisonous and can also cause skin rashes.
Distribution
E. Asia - N. China, Japan, Korea and Siberia. Locally naturalized in Europe.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng), Korea
Cultivation
Easily grown in a rich light soil. Grows best in a light but good woodland soil, preferably not limy. Prefers light shade and some shelter from winds. Tolerates a sunny position if it is growing in a moist border but once planted the plant should not be disturbed since the roots are brittle. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to at least -20°c. The seed is difficult to harvest, it ripens and is shed very quickly. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown in early spring. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c. Two weeks warm stratification at 18°c followed by six weeks at 2°c can shorten up the germination time. Prick out the plants into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, grow them on for their first winter in a cold frame and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring. Division in early spring. Care must be taken since the plant strongly resents root disturbance. Division is best carried out in late winter. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Root cuttings 7 - 10cm long in sandy soil in a cold frame.
