Dicentra Ivory Hearts

Dicentra 'Ivory Hearts', also known as Bleeding Heart, is a compact perennial plant with elegant finely-cut grey-blue-green foliage that stands out for its extended flowering period. Its ivory-white heart-shaped flowers will delicately illuminate shady and moist gardens.

Bleeding Heart 'Ivory Hearts' belongs to the Papaveraceae (Fumariaceae) family. It is a hybrid result of cross-breeding Dicentra eximia and Dicentra peregrina. Its first parent is native to the eastern United States, and the second is from Japan, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin to northern Siberia, passing through the Kamchatka Peninsula. The fast growth of this Bleeding Heart will allow it to grow to 30 cm (12in) in all directions within two years.

Dicentra 'Ivory Hearts' forms a compact and dense clump. The deciduous foliage is a very soft grey-green-blue and appears powdered. It is finely cut resembling ferns or chervil. The remarkably long flowering period begins in April-May and only ends in September-October. The small ivory-white heart-shaped flowers gracefully hang from the arching stems. The Bleeding Heart 'Ivory Hearts' spreads through creeping rhizomes, allowing it to naturalize if conditions are favourable.

Plant Dicentra 'Ivory Hearts' in deep soil, rich in humus, moist to dry in summer and neutral to acidic. This perennial will thrive in shade or a semi-shaded position with morning sun, under trees or bushes without minding competition. Keep the soil moist in summer for continuous flowering. Clean the plant in spring to remove dead foliage.

Dicentra 'Ivory Hearts' is primarily a shade or semi-shade plant that will reach its full potential in the coolness of a woodland. It can be accompanied by other perennials that are not afraid of competition from tree or bush roots. Pair it with the cousin of Solomon's Seal (Uvularia grandiflora), hardy Fuchsias, creeping Bugle in purple, Japanese Anemones, Balkan Digitalis, Tricyrtis, and a carpet of periwinkles.

Attention: Bleeding Heart 'Ivory Hearts' is potentially toxic.
Most Bleeding Hearts go dormant at the end of spring, but this has no harmful effect on plant health