Western Bleeding Heart
dicentra formosa
Also known as: ["Pacific Bleeding Heart","Squirrel Corn"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with distinctive heart-shaped flowers and fern-like foliage, native to western North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Dicentra |
| Botanical Name: | Dicentra formosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly trim as needed to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless dividing the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; adjust for stronger summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from intense afternoon sun; place in a location with filtered light for best growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun, provide dappled light, rotate plant for even growth
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, maintain consistent moisture
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cooler summers and mild winters.
Protect from frost, provide shade in summer, maintain moderate temps
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly during growth; stop in dormancy; use balanced formula
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for Dicentra formosa.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps, replant divisions at the same depth.
- For cuttings, take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent temperatures around 65–70°F (18–21°C).
Medium
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, mature plant in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back yellowing or damaged foliage; divide clumps every few years.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back foliage in fall after dieback.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean knife
Checklist
Remove dead flowers, trim damaged leaves, clean tools after use
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; Dicentra formosa prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots gently, water after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; may enter dormancy in severe cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move potted plants indoors; mulch around roots to insulate.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the roots or seeds of Dicentra formosa. The alkaloids present can lead to mild digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe roots and seeds of Dicentra formosa contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDicentra formosa contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dicentra formosa toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Dicentra formosa require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: How often should Dicentra formosa be watered?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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