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Description
Dicentra King of Hearts is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Papaveraceae. It is a compact plant with a clump-forming habit that grows up to 30 cm in height and 45 cm in width. This plant is commonly known as bleeding heart, and it is native to Japan, China, and Korea. The plant produces heart-shaped flowers that are pink or white in color, and bloom from late spring to early summer. The foliage of this plant is fern-like, and it is bluish-green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Dicentra |
Appearance
Dicentra King of Hearts is a beautiful plant that adds charm and elegance to any garden. The plant produces heart-shaped flowers that are pink or white in color, and they are approximately 2 cm in size. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, and they are held on long stalks that rise above the foliage. The foliage of this plant is fern-like, and it is bluish-green in color. The leaves are deeply divided and can grow up to 20 cm in length. This plant has a clump-forming habit that grows up to 30 cm in height and 45 cm in width.
Care Guide
Dicentra King of Hearts is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: You can fertilize this plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it performs best in slightly acidic soil.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but it should be protected from the hot afternoon sun.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dicentra King of Hearts is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the foliage of the plant, leaving large holes. You can control them by using slug bait or copper tape around the plant.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can lead to stunted growth and leaf drop. You can control it by spraying the plant with a fungicide or by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Dicentra King of Hearts is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It grows in woodland areas, along streams, and in shaded slopes. This plant prefers moist and cool conditions and can tolerate some drought. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it performs best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dicentra King of Hearts a good plant for a shaded garden?
A: Yes, Dicentra King of Hearts is an excellent plant for a shaded garden. It prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate some morning sun.
Q: How often should I water Dicentra King of Hearts?
A: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Dicentra King of Hearts grow in a container?
A: Yes, Dicentra King of Hearts can grow in a container. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: When is the best time to plant Dicentra King of Hearts?
A: The best time to plant Dicentra King of Hearts is in the spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dicentra King of Hearts:- Dicentra spectabilis- Dicentra formosa- Dicentra eximia- Dicentra cucullaria
References
– “Dicentra King of Hearts.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d370.- “Dicentra King of Hearts.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/360266/Dicentra-King-of-Hearts/Details.- “Dicentra King of Hearts.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/dicentra-king-of-hearts.html.
