Also known as Bleeding Heart · 828 gardener saves
Dicentra: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Dicentra, the genus most gardeners know as bleeding heart. We track 20 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Dicentra varieties
Of 20 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFernleaf Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Fernleaf Bleeding Heart Mix'
#2 most savedFringed Bleeding Heart
Dicentra eximia 'Pink Diamonds'
#3 most savedValentine bleeding heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'VALENTINE'
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis
Dolly Sods Bleeding Heart
Dicentra eximia 'Dolly Sods'
Luxuriant Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Luxuriant'
White Diamonds Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'White Diamonds'
Dutchman's Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
White Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'
Bleeding Heart Ruby Gold
Dicentra spectabilis 'Ruby Gold'
Pacific Bleeding Heart 'Bacchanal'
Dicentra formosa 'Bacchanal'
Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis 'Old Fashion Bleeding Heart'
Browse all 20 Dicentra varieties →
How to grow Dicentra
What the Dicentra varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Dicentra year
- DivideAugust and September90% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 4-5 years in early fall if vigor declines
- Spring CleanupFebruary80% of varieties
Clear away old foliage before new shoots emerge in late winter/early spring
- MulchMarch and April75% of varieties
Apply 2 inches of mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture
- FertilizeMarch55% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as foliage emerges
- PlantMarch, April, September and October50% of varieties
Plant bare roots or containers in early spring or fall
- PruneJune and July30% of varieties
Cut foliage back to the ground when it yellows and dies back naturally (summer dormancy)
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Refrain from using synthetic fertilizers excessively
What goes wrong with Dicentra
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Dicentra
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall
- Gently separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade
- Plant divisions immediately at the same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep soil moist for the first few weeks
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering when seed pods mature
- Sow seeds in moist seed-starting mix in early spring
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks
- Transplant seedlings once established
Dicentra questions
How many types of Dicentra are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Dicentra varieties. The most popular — ranked by 828 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Dicentra grow in?
Across its varieties, Dicentra covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dicentra bloom?
Most Dicentra varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to summer, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dicentra should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Dicentra
Dicentra shows up in
Design with Dicentra in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
