April Plant of the Month
Another new plant name! I knew this plant as Dicentra spectabilis. Being of a certain age, it takes me a while to get used to new names but, whatever it’s called, it’s still a beautiful, elegant plant.
Pink or white heart-shaped flowers dangle from arching stems above divided fresh-green foliage in April and May. The foliage is light green in the white version (alba) and adds a cool feel to a shady border. The pink type has white tips to the flowers. Take your pick!
Although it thrives in light shade and looks good growing in clumps amongst shrubs, it will cope with a sunny border, provided the soil stays sufficiently moist. Mulch with leaf mould or compost in March.
The foliage dies back completely after flowering so try bleeding heart with summer flowering perennials that will grow up around the plant as it becomes dormant over the summer. Totally hardy, it will reappear the following spring.
Height and spread 90-60cm.
