Dicentra 'Luxuriant'

Dicentra 'Luxuriant': The Bloom That Lingers in the Shade

Soft and graceful, yet remarkably persistent, Dicentra 'Luxuriant' lives up to its name with finely cut blue-green foliage and clusters of deep rose-pink, heart-shaped blooms that dance above the leaves for months. Unlike traditional bleeding hearts that fade with summer, this cultivar continues to flower from spring well into autumn, adding enduring charm to shaded borders and woodland edges. Compact, mounding, and richly textured, it is a refined and reliable performer for gardens that favour elegance and longevity.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–35 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a soft, spreading mound
• Flower Colour: Deep rose-pink; pendant, heart-shaped blooms in clusters
• Flowering Period: Late spring through early autumn
• Foliage: Finely dissected, blue-green fern-like leaves; non-dormant
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade (tolerates morning sun)
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; dislikes dry or compacted conditions

Uses and Benefits: Dicentra 'Luxuriant' is ideal for planting in shade gardens, along woodland paths, or at the base of shrubs and trees. Its long bloom time and tidy growth habit make it perfect for filling gaps in perennial borders or softening the edges of shaded containers. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it contributes both structure and seasonal colour to gardens where few perennials offer such reliable performance across the growing season.

Companion Plants: Pair Dicentra 'Luxuriant' with Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', whose frothy white blooms and patterned foliage complement the dicentra’s texture while adding late-spring brightness. Add Heuchera 'Wildberry' for bold purple leaves that provide rich contrast and hold their colour all season. Finish with Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', whose silver-spotted foliage and blue blooms provide both ground-level interest and a natural woodland rhythm.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in midsummer to support continuous blooming. Remove spent flower stems to encourage new growth. Unlike other dicentra species, 'Luxuriant' does not go dormant in summer, making it a valuable long-season filler. Divide every few years in early spring if clumps become too large.

History: Dicentra 'Luxuriant' is a long-blooming hybrid cultivar developed from North American natives Dicentra formosa and Dicentra eximia. Known for their ferny foliage and extended bloom time, these species contribute to 'Luxuriant’s' exceptional garden value. Introduced by the esteemed Blooms of Bressingham, this cultivar has become a staple in shade gardens across temperate regions, offering a refined alternative to the fleeting beauty of spring ephemerals.

Final Thoughts: Enduring and elegant, Dicentra 'Luxuriant' offers shade gardeners a rare combination of texture, colour, and bloom longevity. When planted alongside the intricate foliage of Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', the jewel-toned leaves of Heuchera 'Wildberry', and the silvery shimmer of Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', it creates a layered, shade-happy planting full of interest from spring to fall. A luxurious addition to any garden in need of soft structure and lasting charm.