The Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart Flower is not only “old-fashioned” but also a very romantic flower! The unique shape of the flowers has given this plant its name.
The scientific name used to be Dicentra spectabilis, but it was changed to Lamprocapnos spectabilis and moved from the fumitory family (Fumariaceae) to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). Yet, the genus Dicentra includes still 8 other Bleeding Heart Plants.
Why was the name and the family changed? Well, it is not unusual that taxonomists (Scientists that define groups of biological organisms) discover that the scientific grouping needs to be changed according to recent studies that provided new results.
Another common name of the Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart Flower is Lyre Flower. The plant is native to eastern Asia. It is a very popular ornamental plant and an ideal perennial shade plant! You should give this plant definitely give a chance if you have shady or half-shady spots in your garden. It grows well in regions with a temperate climate!
They unique flowers are so lovely! They bloom in spring for quite some time and give a very special touch and beautiful colors to your garden! It is often said that they are typical cottage garden flowers, but I think the fit in every garden!
These plants grow up to 1 meter (2 to 3 inches) tall and spread about the same amount of space. The color of the flower depends on the cultivar and is either pink and white or purely white.
There is one cultivar that is called ‘Goldheart’ (Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’) because it has green-golden colored leaves!
Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba has’ pure white flowers. The common Dicentra spectabilis has two-colored pink and white flowers.
The plants usually die back after flowering and leave bold spots behind. Water the plants regularly if you want to prevent this. Yet, you could just plant some perennial companion shade plants like Hosta for instance to cover up the empty spots. And do not worry: the foliage as well as the stunning flowers will return every spring!
Tip: These flowers also make gorgeous cut-flowers and can be used in bouquets. They are also extensively sold for Valentine’s Day! The distinctive shape of the flower makes it clear that this is a classy “Love Flower”!
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