Dicentra 'Valentine'

Dicentra 'Valentine': A Passionate Twist on a Garden Classic

Dramatic and romantic, Dicentra 'Valentine' reinvents the beloved bleeding heart with bold, cherry-red flowers that drip from deep burgundy stems like jewels. Its finely cut, blue-green foliage forms a soft, elegant mound that anchors this striking floral display in spring. Blooming in mid to late spring, this cultivar brings intense colour and graceful movement to shaded borders. With its vibrant contrast and heirloom charm, Valentine is a garden love letter written in bloom.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 70–85 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a full, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Bright cherry-red hearts with white tips on deep burgundy stems
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Finely divided, blue-green leaves; may go dormant in midsummer
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; protect from drought and overly dry sites

Uses and Benefits: Dicentra 'Valentine' is a show-stopper in the spring shade garden. Its vivid flowers and dark stems offer a striking departure from traditional bleeding hearts, making it perfect for dramatic border displays, woodland paths, or shaded foundation plantings. Pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant, it contributes structure, early-season bloom, and unforgettable colour to the spring garden.

Companion Plants: Pair Dicentra 'Valentine' with Heuchera 'Fire Alarm', whose bright red foliage mirrors the flowers’ intensity and holds its colour deep into the season. Add Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' to introduce large, silver-veined foliage that softens the planting and provides early spring flowers. Finish with Hosta 'June', whose golden centres and blue-green margins echo the dicentra’s foliage while filling space as the plant retreats in summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly in spring and during dry spells. Allow foliage to yellow and go dormant naturally after flowering. Interplant with summer companions to fill gaps once the plant dies back. Avoid division unless necessary, as Dicentra prefers to remain undisturbed.

History: Dicentra 'Valentine' is a cultivated form of Dicentra spectabilis (now also known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis), selected for its vivid red flowers and dark stems—features rarely seen in classic bleeding hearts. Introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries, it has quickly become a favourite among gardeners seeking a bold, modern twist on a nostalgic favourite.

Final Thoughts: Bold yet timeless, Dicentra 'Valentine' brings richness and romance to the shaded spring garden. When combined with the fiery foliage of Heuchera 'Fire Alarm', the shimmering elegance of Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', and the soft contrast of Hosta 'June', it creates a scene full of depth, colour, and textural harmony. A true perennial love story for gardens that honour both tradition and flair.