Dicentra formosa 'King of Hearts'

Plant container grown plants in spring. They thrive in moist, humusy rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. They will tolerate full sun in cooler climates, provided they are kept moist. These plants will tolerate slightly alkaline soil. When planting, add lots of compost, humus, or peat moss to the soil to enhance its water retention capabilities.

Dicentra plants can be propagated by 6-8cm root cuttings which are best taken in late autumn. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground, do not to damage its roots. Rinse the roots in water to remove all soil. With a sharp knife, take off 8cm lengths of pencil thin roots. Fill pots with compost to which grit has been added, lay the cuttings, spaced out, on top. Cover with a thin layer of compost. Water well, label pots and place in a in a cold frame or somewhere cool indoors. Replant the parent plant.