Dicentra 'Valentine' – Planting & Care Guide

About Dicentra 'Valentine'

Dicentra 'Valentine', commonly known as Bleeding Heart 'Valentine', is a stunning herbaceous perennial admired for its elegant, arching stems covered in deep crimson-red, heart-shaped flowers with contrasting white tips. Blooming from mid to late spring and into early summer, this striking variety brings bold colour and graceful form to shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Growing to approximately 70–90cm tall with a spread of 45–60cm, 'Valentine' forms a graceful clump of finely divided blue-green foliage that provides an attractive backdrop to its distinctive flowers. As temperatures rise in midsummer, the foliage may naturally die back, making it an ideal companion for later-emerging perennials. The flowers are also excellent for cutting, adding a touch of elegance to floral arrangements.

Planting Guide

• Plant in partial shade or full shade.
• Tolerates morning sun but prefers protection from hot afternoon sunshine.
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
• Improve the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
• Space plants approximately 45–60cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Dicentra 'Valentine' is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives with minimal care.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry weather.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould to improve soil fertility.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the plant.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently during warm weather.
• Avoid disturbing established plants, as they prefer to remain undisturbed.
• Mark the planting position if foliage dies back in summer to avoid accidental damage.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required.

• Remove faded flower stems after flowering has finished.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as it stores energy for the following season.
• Remove yellow or damaged leaves as required.
• Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early spring.
• Divide mature clumps every 4–5 years if necessary.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Dicentra 'Valentine'
• Common Name: Bleeding Heart 'Valentine'
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 70–90cm
• Spread: 45–60cm
• Flower Colour: Deep crimson-red with white tips
• Flowering Period: April to June
• Foliage: Finely divided blue-green leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Dicentra 'Valentine' is perfect for bringing elegant colour to shaded gardens.

• Woodland gardens
• Shaded borders
• Cottage gardens
• Underplanting trees and shrubs
• Mixed perennial borders
• Courtyard gardens
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Cut flower gardens
• Wildlife-friendly gardens

It combines beautifully with Hostas, Ferns, Hellebores, Heucheras, Brunnera, Astilbe, Pulmonaria and Japanese Anemones.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh blue-green foliage emerges in early spring.
• Elegant arching stems develop during mid-spring.
• Deep crimson-red heart-shaped flowers bloom from spring into early summer.
• Flowers make excellent additions to fresh floral arrangements.
• Foliage provides attractive texture before naturally dying back in midsummer.
• Fresh growth returns the following spring for another spectacular display.

Common Problems

Dicentra 'Valentine' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to crown or root rot.
• Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on young spring shoots.
• Prolonged dry conditions may cause early dormancy.
• Foliage naturally dies back after flowering, which is normal and not a sign of poor health.
• Maintain evenly moist, well-drained soil and mulch annually for the best performance.

With its elegant arching stems, richly coloured heart-shaped flowers and graceful foliage, Dicentra 'Valentine' is a beautiful addition to Irish gardens. Hardy, long-lived and easy to grow, it provides spectacular spring colour in shaded borders, woodland gardens and containers, making it a timeless favourite for adding elegance and seasonal interest

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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