LOOMIS CREEK loves a good clump of bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis). We interplant them in semi-shade with Polygonatum commutatum (great Solomon’s-seal) and ferns in our moist, wild garden.
Typical Dicentra spectabilis blooms in May with long arching sprays of 1-inch, deep rosy red, heart-shaped flowers that appear pierced in the middle by a white-tipped arrow. Leaves are grayish green (except for the cultivar ‘Gold Heart’ noted below) and much divided projecting an overall ferny appearance in the garden.
This perennial favors a light, consistently moist soil in cool semi-shade. It withers into dormancy quickly during hot, dry summers, so plan for other woodland plants to fill the void.
Loomis Creek Picks::
‘Alba’ (aka ‘Pantaloons’) – a white flowered version of the typical bleeding heart.
‘Gold Heart’ – chartreuse to golden yellow foliage that glows in woodland settings. Pictured.
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