Contents
Description
Dicentra Eximia, also known as the Bleeding Heart Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fumariaceae family. This unique flowering plant is native to North America and is commonly found in woodland areas, rocky slopes, and stream banks. It is a low growing plant that reaches a height of 12-24 inches and spreads to a width of 18-24 inches.The Bleeding Heart Plant blooms in spring and summer, producing heart-shaped flowers that are pink or white in color. Each flower is approximately 1 inch long and hangs from a long stem. The foliage of the plant is fern-like, with deeply cut leaves that are bluish-green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Fumariaceae |
| Genus | Dicentra |
Appearance
The Bleeding Heart Plant has a unique appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. The plant is low growing, with a height of 12-24 inches and a width of 18-24 inches. It has fern-like foliage that is bluish-green in color and deeply cut. The flowers of the plant are the most distinctive feature, with heart-shaped petals that are pink or white in color. Each flower is approximately 1 inch long and hangs from a long stem.
Care Guide
To ensure the health and vitality of your Bleeding Heart Plant, it’s important to follow a care guide that includes proper watering, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The Bleeding Heart Plant requires consistent moisture in the soil, but it should not be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.Soil: The Bleeding Heart Plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be planted in a location with good drainage to prevent root rot.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade, as too much sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.Hardiness Zones: The Bleeding Heart Plant is hardy in zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bleeding Heart Plant is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including slugs, snails, aphids, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, it’s important to maintain healthy soil and foliage, and to remove any infected or damaged parts of the plant as soon as possible.
Habitat
The Bleeding Heart Plant is native to North America and is commonly found in woodland areas, rocky slopes, and stream banks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Bleeding Heart Plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it requires consistent moisture and should be planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should the Bleeding Heart Plant be fertilized?
A: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.
Q: How long do the flowers of the Bleeding Heart Plant bloom?
A: The flowers of the plant bloom in spring and summer and last for several weeks.
Q: Is the Bleeding Heart Plant toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to pets if ingested and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Related Plants
- Dicentra Formosa
- Dicentra Spectabilis
- Dicentra Cucullaria
- Dicentra Canadensis
References
- “Dicentra eximia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c188.
- “Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia).” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/dicentra-eximia.
- “Bleeding Heart Plant Care: How To Grow Dicentra.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bleeding-heart/bleeding-heart-care.htm.
