Dicentra formosa 'Aurora'
Common Name(s):
Fern-leaf bleeding heart
Aurora bleeding heart
Synonym:
White bleeding heart
Flower:
White
Blooms :
May
to:
Sep
Creamy white heart shaped flowers on stems that dangle under foliage
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Papaveraceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Finely divided, fern-like
Fall Color?
YES
Foliage turns yellow but remains on plant through fall
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Cultivar of the native western bleeding heart
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
10-12"
Spread:
1-2'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Moist forests, woodlands, stream banks
Soil:
Chalk, clay, loam, moist well-drained
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Best to amend the soil with compost or leaf mold rather than a fertilizer
Mulch:
2" layer of compost or bark protects roots
Thrives in part to full shade, soil that is humus-enriched, keep soil moist, apply compost in spring, divide every 3-5 years in spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Cut back if not done in fall, also mulch if not done in fall, maintain moist soil but do not overwater
Spring:
Give partial to full shade, deep consistently moist in well-drained soil, fertilize early spring, divide if needed
Summer:
Keep soil consistently moist, avoid intense afternoon sun, can be cut back if unsightly looking
Fall:
Minimal care needed, plant can be cut back to ground, maintain consistent soil moisture, apply a 2" layer of mulch
General Care Comments:
Thrives in part to full shade, keep soil moist, apply mulch to protest roots divide when needed
Common Problems
Improper care causes decline
Diseases:
Downy mildew, leaf spot
Insects:
Aphids
Environmental Problems:
Does not like direct sun, the leaves may burn
Pests:
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