Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa)

Also known as: Bleeding heart

The Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is a perennial that reaches heights of 25 to 51 cm, showcasing attractive blue-green, fern-like leaves. It produces charming pink, heart-shaped flowers in clusters, typically blooming in late spring. If you remove spent flowers, it can continue to bloom into the summer. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Pacific bleeding heart

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

1.4 cm to 1.9 cm

Flower Color

Pink White Purple Red Violet

Images of Pacific bleeding heart

Quickly Identify Pacific bleeding heart

Look for fern-like, deeply lobed leaves and drooping heart-shaped flowers. The flowers usually appear in clusters on arching stems and can be pink, purple, or white.

Scientific Classification of Pacific bleeding heart

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Poppy

Genus

Bleeding-Hearts

Species

Pacific bleeding heart

Planting and Growing of Pacific bleeding heart

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Pacific bleeding heart?

For Dicentra formosa, it's crucial to provide a moderate watering, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. A general guideline is to aim for about 500 milliliters per session, allowing the water to soak thoroughly into the root zone without creating standing water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Pacific bleeding heart? ›

What should I do if my Pacific bleeding heart is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Pacific bleeding heart? ›

How to save an overwatered Pacific bleeding heart? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Pacific bleeding heart?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4-6 hours per day

Partial sun to full shade conditions are ideal for Dicentra formosa, replicating its native forest floor environment. This light range ensures vigorous growth, lush foliage, and a healthy blooming cycle, maximizing the plant's ornamental contributions to your garden.

What type of light does Dicentra formosa prefer? ›

How can I achieve ideal lighting for Dicentra formosa? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting conditions? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Pacific bleeding heart?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 70℉

The ideal temperature range for Dicentra formosa is between 50°F and 70°F. This range is optimal for growth and flowering, ensuring that the plant can carry out photosynthesis efficiently while maintaining its metabolic processes. Maintaining these temperatures can help prevent environmental stress and ensure a healthy lifecycle for the plant.

What Soil is Best for Pacific bleeding heart?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Peat soil

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7

Dicentra formosa thrives in soil that retains adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. Moisture retention is crucial as it ensures that the plant's roots have continuous access to the water they need, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage. This plant prefers soil rich in organic matter. High nutrient content supports robust plant growth and beautiful blooming. It helps the plant to develop strong stems and abundant flowers, enhancing its ornamental value. A well-drained soil structure is essential to prevent root rot in Dicentra formosa. This requirement benefits the plant by ensuring that excess water can quickly percolate, preventing waterlogged conditions that could lead to disease.

How to Fertilize Pacific bleeding heart?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Dicentra formosa prefers a balanced fertilizer mix. When using a liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the recommended strength on the package. For granular slow-release formulas, 1/4 cup per plant is adequate.

How to Prune Pacific bleeding heart?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by inspecting the plant for dead or yellowing leaves, as well as stems that have finished blooming. Gently trim these back to just above a healthy leaf node. For bushier growth, pinch back the tips of new growth. Regular pruning encourages new blooms and keeps the plant looking its best. Use a good pair of garden scissors or secateurs to ensure clean cuts. Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning to prevent the spread of diseases. Keep tools sharp to make pruning easier and less traumatic for the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Pacific bleeding heart plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest seeds from mature Dicentra formosa plants once the pods begin to dry and split. Ensure seeds are dry and free from pest damage for successful germination.

Use loose, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter for both seed germination and division propagation. This helps support root development and prevent excessive moisture retention.

For division, dig up mature plants in early spring and gently separate the roots. Replant each division at its original depth and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

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How to Repot Pacific bleeding heart plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Dicentra formosa when you notice the plant has outgrown its pot or if the soil is compacted and draining poorly. The best time is early spring, just as new growth appears, ensuring minimal stress on the plant.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. The pot should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot encourages healthy root growth without overwhelming the plant.

Opt for well-draining soil rich in organic matter. This type of soil retains necessary moisture while allowing excess water to drain, crucial to prevent root rot and support the delicate Dicentra formosa roots.

Toxicity of Pacific bleeding heart

Is Pacific bleeding heart toxic to humans?

The Pacific bleeding heart is an extremely toxic plant when ingested. Every part of this plant, including its leaves and flowers, contains toxic components. It possesses isoquinoline alkaloids that can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Commonly observed symptoms encompass nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Upon the consumption of a significant amount of the plant, it may result in convulsions and seizures. These symptoms can become severe, especially if large quantities are ingested. Other signs indicative of Pacific bleeding heart poisoning include loss of coordination and difficulty in breathing. Individuals who have conditions such as asthma or other chronic respiratory issues might face heightened risks for experiencing severe symptoms. Furthermore, people with sensitive skin might develop a mild rash upon contact with this plant.

Is Pacific bleeding heart toxic to cat?

The Pacific bleeding heart presents a serious health hazard to cats, as every component of the plant is toxic when ingested. Cats might inadvertently chew on parts of the Pacific bleeding heart due to curiosity or accidental encounters. Ingestion of this plant can result in various physical ailments or discomfort, highlighting the necessity for prompt veterinary care. If ingestion is suspected, it is crucial to quickly take the cat to a veterinary clinic for treatment to reduce the risk of serious health issues.

Is Pacific bleeding heart toxic to dog?

The Pacific bleeding heart is regarded as toxic to dogs. Canines might inadvertently consume various parts of this plant, resulting in poisoning. Every part of the plant, comprising leaves, stems, flowers, and roots, contains harmful substances that can adversely affect a dog if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in dogs may manifest as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious indications like tremors or cardiovascular complications, depending on the quantity consumed. Dog owners must diligently keep their pets away from the Pacific bleeding heart and promptly seek veterinary assistance if they suspect their dog has ingested any part of this plant.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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