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   Bleeding Hearts has been a common, old garden favorite for many years. I can still remember it blooming in my Grandmother's garden. I have always grown it in my garden as my Father did in his.

   With the 1" long, rose pink, heart-shaped, flowers and protruding white inner petals borne on each side the flowers hang in a row from long, arching, stems above the foliage in mid to late spring. The common name is in reference to the protruding inner petals of the heart-shaped flower which purportedly give the appearance of a "bleeding heart." Plant typically grows 2-3' tall.
   Dicentra spectabilis started its academic career under the name of Fumaria spectabilis Linnaeus (1753.) and almost one hundred years later, exactly in 1847 Lemaire transferred it into the Dicentra genus established by Bernhard in 1833.

   The vernacular name is Bleding Heart and it is famous for being one of the popular plants prompting people into saying that those taxonomists are crazy, when they learn that the Dicentra genus belongs in the family Papaveraceae, commonly known as the Poppy family, established by Adanson in 1753.
   In 1821 the Fumaria genus has been elevated to the family rank by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, the first opponent of the artificial system of Linnaeus. Since then these hearts are bleeding in that family as well, depending on the tought of school you prefer.
   Fortunately at least the Dicentra generic name coined by Bernhard in 1833 is listed among nomina conservanda, i.e. "names that be preserved", which according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature means that taxonomists must not alter this name in future.
   The Dicentra name comes from the Greek words dis (two) and kentron (spur), which refers to the flowers having two spurs. Spectabilis means spectacular and alba is the epithet for white forms.

   Members of the Dicentra genus are native to Asia and North America. Frequenly cultivated species are the following.
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' , i.e. the white form

Dicentra cucullaria - Dutchman's Breeches

Dicentra canadensis - Squirrel Corn

Dicentra eximia - Turkey Corn

Dicentra chrysantha - Golden Eardrops
   The foliage usually goes dormant in the heat of mid-summer. Since the foliage dies back this is a good plant to grow in front of Hostas and ferns which will fill in as the bleeding heart foliage begins to die back. These plants need moist soil that is rich in humus and a position in partial shade.
   Although Bleeding Hearts are pretty hardy, but keep in mind that the new growth can still be damaged by severe late frosts.
   Root cuttings, 3-4 inches long can be taken in March or in the fall. The roots may be divided and repotted when they are dormant in late winter. Divide dormant rhizome after flowering.
   In the spring be aware of the tiny green steams as they emerge from the soil. They are very fragile and will snap with very little pressure. With this in mind mark any new areas when you plant them with the new root cuttings
   Seeds may also be sown in a cold frame or sheltered spot outdoors in early summer or autumn. Sow in containers and keep at temperatures of 64-71 0F (18-22 0C) for 2-4 weeks. Then move to reduced temperatures of 24-39 0F (-4 to +4 0C) for 4-6 weeks. Then move to temperatures of 41-53 0F (12 0C) until the seeds germinate.
   Every bit of Dicentra spectabilis is toxic, including those romantic heart-shaped flowers. It is allergenic for many people, therefore, although it is used as cut flower be careful with presenting a bunch of Bleeding Hearts to your sweetheart ...