Dicentra formosa, Pacific bleeding heart
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Perennials

Dicentra formosa

Pacific bleeding heart

PapaveraceaeNorth America

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height10–20 inches (25–50 cm)
Width12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Dicentra formosa, commonly called Pacific bleeding heart, is a rhizomatous perennial native to moist woodland understories from British Columbia south to central California, and one of the most reliably garden-worthy native plants for Pacific Northwest shade gardens. Plants grow 10–20 inches (25–50 cm) tall, spreading by slender rhizomes to form loose colonies of finely divided, three- to four-times pinnately compound, blue-green foliage with a ferny texture. From spring through early summer — and often reblooming into autumn in cool, moist conditions — arching stems rise above the foliage bearing pendant clusters of heart-shaped flowers in rose-pink to lavender-pink, rarely white. Two subspecies are recognized: subsp. formosa, widespread from British Columbia to California with glaucous leaf undersides and pink-purple flowers, and subsp. oregana, restricted to serpentine soils in the Siskiyou Mountains with cream to pale yellow flowers. All parts of the plant are mildly toxic and contain alkaloids; contact with sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Pacific bleeding heart is an excellent long-blooming native perennial for shaded woodland gardens and pairs well with native ferns, trillium, and oxalis.

Native Range

Native to the Pacific Coast of North America from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California to the central Sierra Nevada. The species grows in moist, shaded to partially shaded woodland understories, streambanks, and forest margins from sea level to approximately 6,500 feet (2,000 m) elevation. Subsp. oregana is restricted to serpentine soils in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California.

Suggested Uses

Pacific bleeding heart is a versatile native perennial for shaded woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, streambank planting, and as a long-blooming groundcover under deciduous trees. Its ferny foliage and persistent bloom make it one of the most useful native plants for Pacific Northwest shade gardens. Pairs naturally with sword fern (Polystichum munitum), Oxalis oregana, Trillium ovatum, and native gingers. The flowers attract hummingbirds and bumblebees.

How to Identify

Pacific bleeding heart is identified by its finely divided, three- to four-times pinnately compound, blue-green leaves with a delicate ferny texture and a glaucous bloom on the undersides. Pendant, heart-shaped flowers, each approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm) long, are borne in arching clusters on slender leafless stems above the foliage. The two outer petals form the distinctive puffy heart shape, flaring outward at the tip, while the two inner petals extend below as a small tongue. Flowers are rose-pink to lavender-pink in the common subspecies. The spreading rhizomatous colony habit and combination of ferny foliage with pendant heart flowers are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
lavender

Foliage Colors

blue green
green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
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Spring
Pacific bleeding heart blooms primarily in spring through early summer, typically March through June at lower elevations in the Pacific Northwest. In cool, moist conditions — particularly in shaded sites with consistent soil moisture — plants rebloom sporadically through summer and into autumn. Individual flower clusters remain in bloom for two to four weeks. Plants may go partially summer-dormant in hot, dry conditions but typically maintain some foliage through the season under adequate moisture.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rose-pink to lavender-pink

Foliage Description

Blue-green, finely divided, ferny

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant Pacific bleeding heart in moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil in partial to full shade. The species performs best beneath deciduous trees where it receives dappled spring light and summer shade. Water regularly during the growing season in dry Pacific Northwest summers; while the plant tolerates brief drought, consistent moisture promotes longer bloom and prevents premature summer dormancy. Top-dress annually with leaf mould or compost to maintain humus levels. No fertilization is required in organically rich soils. Divide congested clumps in early spring or autumn by lifting rhizomes and replanting divisions 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. Avoid disturbing established colonies unnecessarily, as plants spread slowly but steadily to form attractive naturalized groundcovers.

Pruning

Cut back yellowing or collapsing foliage at any point during the season as needed for tidiness. If the plant goes summer-dormant in hot, dry conditions, cut foliage to the ground and mark the location. In cool, moist sites where foliage persists, cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges. No deadheading is required; the plant reblooms naturally without intervention in suitable conditions.

Pruning Schedule

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fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans