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Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front, middle
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Formerly known as Dicentra spectablilis, bleeding heart, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, is a Chinese plant bearing pink-red, heart-shaped flowers with white tips, which hang from arching flower stems in late spring to early summer. Although it grows in light shade and looks good growing in clumps amongst shrubs, it often does even better in a sunny border, provided the soil stays sufficiently moist.

Clumps of Lamprocapnos spectabilis remain compact for many years and do not need dividing, fortunately, because they have brittle roots and do not like disturbance – instead, try taking root cuttings in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes

Lamprocapnos and wildlife

Lamprocapnos has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Lamprocapnos poisonous?

Lamprocapnos can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Lamprocapnos spectabilis
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