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Lamprocapnos spectabilis AGM

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Characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming

Toxicity

All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies

Resilience

Hardiness

old H4 (hardy)

Colour

Flower

Red and White in Spring and Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring and Summer

Size

Ultimate height

0.5-1 metres

Ultimate spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2-5 years

Preferred common name

bleeding heart

Family

Papaveraceae

Lamprocapnos are rhizomatous perennials with attractively divided leaves and pendent, heart-shaped flowers

L. spectabilis is an herbaceous perennial forming a mound of divided, mid-green foliage. Heart-shaped, rose-red and white flowers hang from arching stems

Other common names

bleeding hearts
Chinaman's breeches
Dutchman's breeches
lady in the bath
locks and keys
lyre flower
seal flower
showy bleeding heart

Synonym(s)

Dicentra spectabilis

Suppliers

Suppliers listed in RHS Plant Finder

Awards

Award of Garden Merit

How to grow

Sunlight

Part shade

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing or West-facing

Sheltered

Cultivation

Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline; site in partial shade although will tolerate sun if the soil is moist

Soil

Moist but well-drained or Poorly-drained

Alkaline or Neutral

Clay, Loam or Chalk

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by root cuttings in winter.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut Flowers or Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs

How to care

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease free

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