1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Papaveraceae
Height: 12 to 18 in
Width: 18 to 24 in
Flower color: Rose pink to lavender pink with white inner tips
Foliage color: Soft blue-green to gray-green, finely divided fernlike leaves
Bloom time: Mid spring through early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate moisture
Maintenance: Low, remove spent flower stems to encourage continued blooming; cut back foliage if it declines in summer heat
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, hummingbirds

Groundcovers

Dicentra formosa

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa produces graceful sprays of heart-shaped flowers in shades of rosy pink to lavender pink, each dangling from gently arching stems. Finely divided, blue-green foliage forms soft mounds that remain attractive throughout the growing season, adding a delicate, fernlike texture to shaded spaces.

Blooming from mid-spring into early summer, this species is native to western North America. It is commonly used in woodland gardens, shade borders, and naturalized plantings, where its long flowering period blends easily with spring bulbs and native perennials.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Mid spring through early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Under Trees
Native Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Blechnums · Omphalodes · Epimediums · Foamflowers · Brunneras · Maianthemums

Design tip

Allow this native perennial to mingle naturally with neighboring woodland plants instead of confining it to formal groupings. The relaxed arrangement creates gentle transitions between spring ephemerals and longer-lasting foliage, giving shaded gardens a more established, natural character.