14
2017
BLEEDING HEARTS ARE TRADITIONAL
FAVORITES IN SHADE GARDENS
about protecting them from marauding animals such as goats , other
green eating domestic animals and pests. Perhaps the deer and
rabbits leave them alone due to the fact that they are poisonous
plants if eaten in large quantities, if you have a pet make sure that
access is denied to your bleeding hearts.
Bleeding hearts are traditional favorites in shade gardens, includ-
ing woodland gardens. Their foliage does die back into dormancy
after the plants have finished flowering, unfortunately, leaving va-
cant spots behind in the planting bed. To slow down die-back, give
bleeding heart water even after the flowering period is done. It is
also a good idea to surround bleeding hearts with companion plants
that will hide those vacant spots during the summer. Good com-
panion plants include such shade-loving perennials as hosta plants
and Brunnera 'Jack Frost.'
Dicentra formosa is the Western bleed-
ing heart. It is native to the PacificCoast.
Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) bear white
flowers that truly do remind one of pairs of pants hung out to
dry on a clothesline.
Squirrel corn (Dicentra canadensis)
often grows side by side with
Dutchman's breeches in the forests
of New England (U.S.).
Dicentra spectabilis because of
this ferny, longer-lasting foliage.
Fringed bleeding hearts (Dicentra
eximia) bear dusty-pink blooms, and
their leaves are prized for their
fringe-like texture. In fact, some gar-
deners prefer this type