This herbaceous rhizomatous perennial is stemless with upright foliage from the base and forms a spreading habit. It has mid-green divided fern-like foliage and the pink to white bell-shaped flowers appear in a pendant cluster from late spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 4 to 10

Dicentra formosais naturally found in North America from British Columbia to California growing in moist woodlands on the coast and in the mountains from sea level to an altitude of 2,200 m (7,000 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded wind protected damp position and grows in well-drained organic rich soils that are neutral tending alkaline with wind and drought protection but is frost tolerant.

The Western Bleeding Heart is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. It is planted in shaded borders or gullies and is used around water features for its fernlike appearance. It is suitable for coastal or mountainous regions establishing in 2-3 years and is long-lived. This perennial may also be used in rockeries or patio pots and planter boxes and there are several cultivars available with varying flower and leaf colour. Under ideal conditions the plant may become invasive requiring control.ID 3645

Dicentra (dy-SEN-trah) formosa (for-MOH-sah)

Fumariaceae (foo-mar-ee-AY-see-ee)