Dicentra formosa aka Pacific Bleeding Heart

Taxonomy

Dicentra formosa, also known as western, wild or Pacific bleeding heart, is a spreading perennial herbaceous plant native to the Pacific Coast of North America. It features finely-cut, grey-green leaves that resemble ferns, growing from a brittle rhizome at the base of the plant. In late spring and midsummer, upright stems emerge, adorned with an inflorescence of drooping flowers in various shades of pink, purple, yellow, or cream. This beautiful plant can reach a height of 18 inches (45 cm) and a width of 24 inches (60 cm).

Common names

Pacific Bleeding Heart, Bleeding Heart, Pacific Bleedinghearts

How to care for Pacific Bleeding Heart

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Pacific Bleeding Heart, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Pacific Bleeding Heart should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pacific Bleeding Heart loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Pacific Bleeding Heart prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Pacific Bleeding Heart plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Pacific Bleeding Heart has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Pacific Bleeding Heart grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia