Dicentra formosa |
Native Region: Native BC Herbaceous Perennial
Zone Range: 4-8
Preferred Climate: Semi shade; well drained humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Monday 18 May, 2009
Seed count: 75-100
Description:
Soft fern like foliage and dangling pink heart shaped flowers are borne on long stems holding nectar filled blooms high for the hummingbirds and bumblebees. Very early as its one of the first of the wildflowers to flower. Grows 30 cm tall with wider spread. Longest blooming of all the Dicentras.
Notes:
Tough and hardy. Deer proof. Pink fleshy rhizomes slowly spread. Great herbacous ground cover. Co-evolved with our wacky wet coast soils and weather needing moisture in spring; drought tolerant in summer. They grow all over in our garden from dappled shade to full sun. Its a welcome sight in spring.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 12-24 hours. Press seed into moist medium surface; freeze (plastic jar is perfect) for 6 weeks. Germinates at 13 C. Days to germ: 30-45. Habitat: cool shady areas similar to open forest; moist average soil in spring; drought tolerant in summer; deer, pest and disease proof; blooms long time; great maintenance free ground cover.
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