Dicenter flower: photo, planting and care in the open field, description of species and varieties

The plant dicentra (Dicentra) is a representative of the genus of herbaceous perennials and annuals, belonging to the subfamily smoky, poppy family. Many people know this plant due to its unusual flowers-hearts. In France, because of this, the plant is called Jeanette's heart. There is a very old legend, which tells that these flowers appeared in the very place where the heart of unfortunate Jeanette broke when she saw her lover walking down the aisle with another girl. In England, this flower is called "the lady in the bath". The Latin name of such a plant is formed by two Greek words, namely "dis" - "twice" and "kentron" - a spur, as a result of the dicenter it can be translated as "two-spur" or "a flower with two spurs". The plant came to European countries from Japan in 1816, while it immediately gained great popularity among aristocrats. Then they practically forgot about the plant, but at the moment the flower is again beginning to be popular with both experienced and novice gardeners.

Dicentra: planting and care in the open field, types and varieties with photos

The plant dicentra (Dicentra) is a representative of the genus of herbaceous perennials and annuals, belonging to the subfamily smoky, poppy family. Many people know this plant due to its unusual flowers-hearts. In France, because of this, the plant is called Jeanette's heart. There is a very old legend, which tells that these flowers appeared in the very place where the heart of unfortunate Jeanette broke when she saw her lover walking down the aisle with another girl. In England, such a flower is called "the lady in the bath". The Latin name of such a plant is formed by two Greek words, namely "dis" - "twice" and "kentron" - a spur, as a result of the dicenter it can be translated as "two-spur" or "a flower with two spurs". The plant came to European countries from Japan in 1816, while it immediately gained great popularity among aristocrats. Then they practically forgot about the plant, but at the moment the flower is again beginning to be popular with both experienced and novice gardeners.

Description of di

Di or diklitra is a perennial bush plant with about 20 different varieties. They differ in size, color of buds and whimsical care. Botanists attribute it to the smokyankov family.

The name is derived from the Greek. "Dis kentron", which means double spur, is due to the similar structure of the rim.

The halo of distribution is the northern part of America and East Asia, in Russia you can find only one species, the dicentra of the Magnificent variety.

Flowers are brightly colored red or bright pink, less often white, lilac.

You can find such names as:

flower of the heart;
the shoe of the mother of God;
Chinese breeches and some other names. The variety is associated with the halo of distribution and the popularity of use in gardening art.

We recommend looking at photos of flowers of the dicenter:

Features of the dicenter

There are about 20 species in the genus of such a plant, with most of them growing in North America, the Far East, and also in Eastern China. The height of the bush can vary from 0.3 to 1 meter.The plant has a fleshy long rhizome that goes deep into the ground. Its beautiful pinnately dissected green leaf plates have a bluish tint, they also have a petiole. Slightly squeezed flowers are heart-shaped and pale red or light pink in color. Their diameter is about 2 centimeters, and they are part of drooping terminal arcuate inflorescences in the shape of a brush. The flowers have a pair of spurs on the corolla. The fruit is a capsule, inside of which are glossy black seeds that have an oblong shape. They remain viable for 2 years.

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Di flower has fleshy succulent rhizomes, in some species they have turned into a kind of tubers. For example, in the dicentra nodule (D. cucularia), the rhizome consists of nodule scales, which can turn into independent plants. The leaves are gray, the flowers are creamy white. In this species, the leaves die off until mid-summer.

How to plant in open ground

What time to disembark

The plant is planted in open ground from the last days of April to the first days of May, and even in September. When planting in autumn, it should be borne in mind that the flower should take root well and develop a root system before the arrival of winter frosts. For such a plant, you can choose a well-lit area or located in a small shade. However, in a sunny place, the blooming of the dicenter can be seen much faster. You can grow this plant on any soil, but light, well-drained, moderately moist and nutrient-rich soil will be the best option for it. The soil for planting should be prepared in advance. If you are planting a plant in the spring, then take care of preparing a place for it in the autumn months, and vice versa, if the planting is scheduled for autumn, then you need to prepare the site in the spring. The earth must be dug to the depth of the bayonet of the shovel, while humus should be added to it (per 1 square meter from 3 to 4 kg of fertilizer), then the earth must be spilled with a nutrient solution prepared from mineral fertilizer (20 grams of substance per bucket of water).

How do they land?

The first step is to prepare planting holes for flowers. Their diameter and depth should be equal to 0.4 m, while it is necessary to maintain a distance between the bushes - 0.5 m. At the bottom, you need to make a drainage layer of broken brick or crushed stone. Then a layer of garden soil is poured into it, which must first be mixed with compost. Then you need to lower the plant into the hole and fill it with the same mixture of garden soil with compost. In the event that the soil is too heavy, then it can be combined with sand, and if you add limestone chips to the soil, then the dicenter will only get better from this.

Use in the garden

Dicentra serves as an excellent landscaping and decor for arid corners of the garden, rockery, rock garden, rocky slope. It is used in mixed plantings or in solo groups. The plant can be planted not only in open ground, but also in large flowerpots to decorate a balcony or terrace.

In the flowerbed, the dicenter is combined with tulips, hosts, hyacinths, daffodils, kupena and lungwort. The inflorescences will stand in a vase for 1-1.5 weeks, so they can be used for making bouquets and decorating the room.

Dicenter care

Watering the plant should be moderate, and you should also systematically loosen the surface of the soil and pull out weeds in a timely manner. It should be borne in mind that the root system of a flower needs oxygen for normal development, therefore it is imperative to loosen the earth. When the shoots just appear in spring, they need to be covered at night, because frosts can destroy them. Water it with soft water. At the same time, during a drought period, watering should be done more often than usual, but it must be borne in mind that excessive watering can cause rotting of the root system. The plant must be fed regularly.At the beginning of spring, it needs a fertilizer containing nitrogen, when it begins to bloom, then there is a need for superphosphate, in autumn the surface of the trunk circle must be shed with mullein infusion and mulched with humus. If you want to prolong flowering, then it is necessary to promptly cut off the flowers that are starting to fade.

Transfer

The flower does not need to be transplanted often, so, without this procedure, it can do for 5-6 years. After that, it is recommended to transplant it by choosing a new site for it. Once every 2 years, the flower must be planted, if this is not done, then the overgrown root system begins to rot, which leads to its partial death. In early autumn, after the end of flowering, or in the last days of April and the first - in May, a flower that is 3-4 years old must be carefully dug out, while trying not to injure the roots. After the roots dry out a little (they should become slightly dried), they need to be carefully divided into pieces of 10-15 centimeters, each of which should have 3 or 4 buds. The sections should be sprinkled with ash. After that, the segments are planted in a new place and watered. If you want the bush to be lush, then 2 or 3 root segments can be planted in one hole at once. You need to transplant the plant in the same way as planting.

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After flowering

Seed collection

Experts do not recommend collecting the seeds of the dicenter grown in the middle lane. The fact is that in such conditions they may not mature. But ripe seeds also have a very low germination rate.

Preparation for wintering

In autumn, the part of the plant that rises above the soil must be cut off almost to the surface of the soil. The remaining stumps should be 3 to 5 centimeters high. Although this plant is resistant to frost, it still needs shelter for the winter. To do this, sprinkle it with a layer of peat 5 to 8 centimeters thick. It is not necessary to make a thicker layer, otherwise the root system may begin to rot.

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Gold-flowered variety. Requires special attention. A large shrub up to 1.5 meters in height, golden-white, common in America. In Russia, it is quite difficult to cultivate it, but if you wish, you can, because it will give beautiful flowers in the summer.

Another purchase of mine was the beautiful dicentra (D. formosa). It turns out that the names of the dicenter mainly glorify their beauty!

Two varieties - King of Hearts and Aurora - are short, bluish foliage, expressive flowers. They will provide flowers from May to September, they are resistant to frost, in diameter - no more than 30 cm, which allows them to be planted near windows.

Look at the photo of the Dicenter Aurora variety below:

Types and varieties of dicentra with photos and names

Dicentra excellent (Dicentra eximia), or exceptional dicentra, or excellent

Its homeland is considered to be the western regions of North America. Such a perennial reaches a height of only 20 centimeters. Fleshy leafless shoots. Finger-separated leaf plates consist of small lobes, while they are part of the lush basal rosettes. The diameter of the pink flowers is about 25 mm, they are part of the arcuate inflorescences that have the shape of a brush and reach a length of 15 centimeters. It begins to bloom in the third decade of May, while the duration of flowering is equal to three months. This plant is highly resistant to frost (withstands up to minus 35 degrees), however, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil surface with a layer of mulch in autumn. It has been cultivated since 1812. There is a white-flowered form.

Dicentra beautiful (Dicentra formosa)

The species came to European countries from British Columbia. There, the plant can be found from central California to humid forests. The height of the bush is about 0.3 m. The green, palmate-separated leaf plates have a slightly bluish seamy surface.They have long petioles and are part of the root rosette. The length of the inflorescences is from 10 to 15 centimeters. They consist of small pinkish-purple flowers, which are 20 mm in diameter. Flowering begins in the last days of May and lasts until autumn. They have high winter hardiness, but still need shelter for the winter. Cultivated since 1796.

Application in landscape design

Low-growing shrubs go well with mixed plantings, and tall ones look better in "single" compositions. After the dicentra has bloomed, it sheds its leaves. This is taken into account when planting the dicenter on the site. The shade from the apple tree, bird cherry, linden does not interfere with the blooming of the plant. The bleeding center looks great against the background of garden ferns. It goes well with early bulbous flowers: with snowdrops, crocuses, scylla, anemone.
Dicentra Spectabilis with daffodils.

Dicentra with hosts is one of the most popular combinations.

Aquilegia canadensis Dicentra eximia with Canadian aquilegia (Aquilegia canadensis) and spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum).

Spring border with Dicenter, Tulips and Daffodils (they are not visible in the photo, but they are stated in the description by the author).

Dee Hosta variety "Dancing in the Rain"

Planting the dicenter in open ground

When growing plants in open soil, it is imperative to control the planting time and follow the technology.

Landing dates

The flower is placed in the ground in mid-spring, occasionally in early autumn. But when planting in September, they must take into account the moment that the root system must have time to take root even before the arrival of frost. The site is chosen well-lit or in partial shade.

How to plant correctly

Any land is suitable for growing dicentra, but preference is given to light, well-drained, moderately moist and rich in nutrients, soil. The landing site is prepared in advance, for this, the soil is dug to the depth of one bayonet of the shovel and humus is added (3-4 kg of fertilizer per 1 sq. M.), Spilled with a nutrient solution.

Immediately before planting, holes are created to accommodate flowers. Diameter and depth - 40 cm, the interval between shrubs - 50 cm. A drainage layer of gravel or brick chips is placed on the bottom. Pour some garden soil, previously combined with compost. The plant is lowered into a hole and covered with earth on top. When the soil is heavy, it is combined with sand.

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The dicenter is nodular. Homeland - America. It differs from other species in the large number of tubers formed in the root system. Leaves are gray-green, flowers are white, grows 30 centimeters, can be grown in pots.

It is worth mentioning the species that lives in the very east of our country, vagrant dicentra (D. peregrine). This is a charming baby with blue crinkled foliage and bright pink flowers. A very demanding species in culture, preferring coolness and not tolerating excessive moisture.

Many types of dicentra are sold in flower shops, choose the ones that are the most unpretentious and bloom for a long time.

For some of the described types of dicenter, see the photo below:

Features of care for the dicenter

If the place was chosen correctly, and the planting was carried out according to technology, then there will be no problems with growing the dicenter. But they begin to monitor the flower after the first shoots appear, the soil is immediately loosened to create oxygen access to the root system.

Watering, loosening, mulching

The frequency and amount of liquid introduced into the ground are related to temperature. In the warm season, the number of waterings is 2 times in 7 days, in the autumn-winter season - once a week. The soil should not be too wet, as the roots rot.

Weeds around the dicenter are recommended to be removed regularly, cut off withered and dried branches and foliage. After flowering, all trunks are removed under the root, leaving only small hemp.

For shelter from frost, the plant is mulched. After pruning, the remaining parts of the flower are covered with a layer of peat and covered with needles. Remove protection only in the spring.

Top dressing

The plant is fed 3 times:

after germination - nitrogen-containing agents;
when buds are formed - superphosphate;
the end of the flowering period - mullein infusion.

Summer residents advice

Surprisingly and in spite of the exotic look, the dicentra is not a picky shrub, it does not require special care. Watering is carried out as for ordinary plants, weeding and loosening of the earth are carried out. Particular attention should be paid to young shoots: in order to protect them from night frosts, they are covered with material. Do not forget to feed the bushes with mineral fertilizers. In autumn, the yellowed branches are cut off, leaving small stumps of 20-30 cm. The bushes do not need an annual transplant, the plant can grow in one place for 5-6 years.

More about the variety "Golden vine"

The variety "Golden vine" differs from its "sisters" by a liana-shaped stem, and the inflorescences resemble golden hearts. These seeds in colorful packaging instantly attract the attention of amateur gardeners and make them want to get hold of a novelty immediately. However, according to the reviews of summer residents, it is difficult to grow it from seeds, if stems nevertheless appear, there is no guarantee that they will get stronger. Gardeners are advised to buy seedlings immediately.

Such a dicenter will appeal to lovers of various new products at their summer cottage. She will delight with her golden bunches that bloom on two meter stems, from early summer to frost. It gets along well with other flowering vines, such as: clematis, hydrangea, as well as climbing annuals: morning glory, sweet peas. Usually blooms for 2-3 years.

Reproduction of dicentra

Seeds are sometimes used for propagation of dicenters, but this method is rather laborious and unreliable. Germination rate is low, and often completely absent. Among the disadvantages of this method, its duration is also distinguished - growth is slowed down and flowering is expected no earlier than 3-4 years later. Sowing into the soil is performed at the end of September, covered with a film for the winter, and then with straw or leaves. Many budding gardeners germinate plant seeds in their home. They are placed in special containers with soil, covered with foil and transported to a warm room. The first shoots are expected in 30 to 35 days. When 4 true leaves appear on the flowers, they dive into the open ground. Before transplanting, the plants are hardened; for this, the pots are brought out into fresh air for several hours every day. The main methods of breeding are considered to be the following:

Shrub division. Performed every 3-4 years, in early autumn, immediately after the flowering period. Each separated part contains 3-4 buds. Slices are sprinkled with wood ash, and new plants are placed in pre-prepared holes. If you refuse to divide the root system, then it is subject to decay.
Cuttings. Carried out in the spring. The resulting shoots up to 15 cm long are placed in a growth stimulator, and then in containers with light soil. The cuttings are covered with plastic cups and transported to any warm room. They are planted in open soil only in the middle of spring next year.

Growing from seeds

Reproduction of perennial seeds in gardening practically do not use... Because the process is very complicated and time-consuming, so when buying seeds in attractive bright packaging, think about whether it is not easier to purchase seedlings in the nursery. To begin with, the seeds are stratified (cold exposure), planted after the dicentra has faded (August-September). Then, when the seedlings sprout (after 20-30 days), they are covered. With the right approach to the process, the dicenter will bloom only after 3 years.

More often at home they propagate bushes by cuttings or sprouts of rhizomes... For grafting, young shoots 10-15 cm are selected, they are planted in the soil 10 cm deep, covered with oilcloth on top. When the shoots sprout, the cutting is transplanted to the right place. Reproduction division occurs by cutting the roots of the bush into 10-15 cm-cut segments, which can be planted immediately.

Diseases and pests

The flower has a high resistance to diseases, but occasionally it is affected by ring spot or tobacco mosaic. In an infected dicenter, spots or stripes appear on the leaves, on adults - pale elongated rings. Occasionally, there are signs of mycoplasma disease - the peduncles are curved, growth is slowed down, the color of the foliage is yellow.

To prevent such lesions, it is recommended that the dicenter be properly watered, since excess moisture weakens the immune system. The soil is treated with formalin solution.

The plant is used in individual or group plantings, when decorating flower arrangements and festive bouquets. The presence of a heart-shaped shape makes it the main element when decorating flower beds and alpine slides. If favorable conditions for growth are created in the dycenter, then it will delight with its flowering and healthy appearance for many years.

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Content

Dicentra is a lovely and delicate flower associated with many romantic legends. In our latitudes, it is better known under the name "Broken Heart". The shape of the flower very much resembles a heart, therefore, in almost every country, the name is somehow connected with this symbol of love and devotion.

Dicenter - a symbol of love and devotion

In Europe, the dicenter flower did not initially grow. His homeland is the Far East, China and North America. To our mainland it's cute plant came from Japan, and was first described by Linnaeus himself.

Among all varieties, there is a color of various shades - from white to red, as well as yellow

The homeland of the plant is Asia and North America

Features of growing dicentra as a horticultural crop

Dicentra is rightfully one of the most popular and beautiful ornamental plants for a garden plot. It can grow equally well both in dark areas of nearby trees and in well-lit areas. Despite the fact that this is a representative of the exotic flora, it is not at all difficult to care for it. Having familiarized yourself with all the rules and recommendations, even a novice gardener can cope with such a task without any problems.

The inhabitants of Europe are well acquainted with the dicenter since 1816. In different countries, this decorative flower is called differently: in France "Jeanette's heart", in Germany "heart flower", and in Great Britain "lady in the bathroom". Also, other names are often found - "broken heart", "crying heart", "flower-lyre", "locks and keys", "heart-flower", "two-spoked", etc.

Role in landscape design and photo examples of application

Dicentra has become one of the favorites among the plants used for landscape design due to its beauty and unpretentiousness. It is a herb for outdoor use. It looks very impressive both in group and single landings.

The dicenter in the garden is perfectly combined with conifers and tall crops.A good solution would be to plant a dicentra on a border multi-level flower bed

Alpine slide looks original and fresh with di class = "aligncenter" width = "700" height = "359" [/ img] Ideally matched shades of dicentra in a wall bed

One of the most popular methods of using the dicenter is the arrangement of beautiful alpine slides, where it is assigned a leading role.

Dicentra is ideally combined with coniferous plants, as well as with any tall seedlings. It can be successfully used to decorate flower beds, mixborders, as well as traditional flower beds.

How best to plant - in open ground or in a tub

Different varieties of dicentra have cultivation characteristics.Most species do great outdoors when planted. However, some varieties are suitable for indoor cultivation - therefore, tubs are used for these purposes.

In any case, the place for planting must be selected in advance, with an emphasis on the type and quality of the soil - it must be fertile and well-drained.

Planting should be carried out in the spring. Therefore, in the previous fall, it is necessary to dig up the soil in the selected planting place and apply high-quality mineral fertilizing. Due to the fact that a developed root system is characteristic of the dicenter, the diameter and depth of the planting hole must reach at least one meter. The roots of the plant are sensitive to excess moisture in the soil, so drainage will be required.

When and for how long a herbaceous plant blooms

Different varieties have different flowering periods. Dicentra Magnificent pleases the eye with its flowers literally from the first days of May to mid-June. Dicentra Beautiful begins to bloom in early summer and ends in autumn. After the plants have faded, their ground part is in a state of hibernation until the next spring. True, in some cases, in August, there is a repeated flowering, which continues until the end of September.

Spectabilis variety with its luxurious inflorescences is very thermophilic

What climate is this flower suitable for?

Dicentra, being a thermophilic plant, prefers a subtropical climate. It also thrives in temperate climates, but can only be grown as an annual plant.

Preparing for landing

Dicenter is usually planted with ready-made seedlings or cuttings purchased in a nursery or grown independently. Sowing seeds is a long and laborious process, usually only used in greenhouses. Before planting, the planting material must be carefully examined for traces of diseases, mechanical damage. Leaves and roots are recommended to be treated with a growth stimulant. They can both spray the rhizome (for cuttings) and water the soil (for seedlings).

The landing site should be dug to a depth of 1 shovel bayonet, and organic fertilizing should be applied. Humus or mullein is suitable at the rate of 5 kg / m2. When working with dense substrates, it is recommended to add sand, expanded clay or broken brick to enhance aeration.

Dicenter poisonous or not

The most poisonous part of the dicenter is the root. But some varieties have poisonous leaves and stems, as they contain alkaloids. Therefore, you need to work with the plant carefully using special gloves. Skin contact may cause irritation. If a small amount of juice gets into the body, then you should expect an upset of the gastrointestinal tract. In case of severe poisoning, the effect will affect the nervous system. Fleshy roots can protrude from the ground and be eaten by animals, which will not have the best effect on their health. Therefore, you need to ensure that the roots of the dicenter are under the soil.

Growing

Cultivation of dicentra is not very difficult, the plant is unpretentious, however, it also requires proper agricultural technology.

Landing

When choosing a place for planting a dicenter, you need to pay attention to several factors:

Dicenter plant is a perennial. Therefore, the bush will expand every year and demand more and more space for itself.
It is better to locate the dicenter in partial shade, for example, under the canopy of trees or shrubs.
The location of the plant should be dry without stagnation of groundwater, melt and rainwater. Florists often complain that the dicentra does not emerge after winter. This may well happen with a spring rise in water, leading to root rot.
The soil should be light, rich in organic materials with a medium to slightly acidic reaction.

To plant a seedling, you need to prepare a hole with a depth and diameter of forty centimeters.At the bottom of the pit, it is necessary to arrange drainage from fine gravel, gravel, sand.

Having installed a seedling in the hole, it is necessary to cover it with fertile soil, spill it thoroughly with water so that the soil tightly squeezes the roots. From above, you need to mulch first with dry soil, and then with organic materials: hay, leaf litter, sawdust, and so on.

Attention! The roots of the bicenter are poisonous, so all planting work should be carried out with protective gloves. And in the rest of the plant, there are enough alkaloids, so caution does not hurt!

Planting is best done in May. Planting dicentra in spring is more acceptable than in autumn, because by spring both root cuttings and rooted cuttings ripen better.

Care

Further care of the dicenter is not difficult. It is enough to feed the bushes only twice a season. In autumn, plants need to strengthen the root system, so wood ash is added to the herbal dressing.

And how to feed the dicenter in the spring? Spring feeding should be aimed at rapid growth and flowering, therefore, fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers is performed: herbal infusion with chicken droppings, for example.

Throughout the entire growing period, it is necessary to cut off the faded buds, and then the shoots. This event will allow the plant not to waste energy on maintaining unnecessary dying parts. And before winter, it is advisable to completely cut the plant completely, leaving about five centimeters of the stem on the surface.

Throughout the summer season, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the mulch on the soil under the dicenter. In addition to the usual functions: moisture conservation, protection from weeds, and so on, here mulch also protects people and animals from the poisonous roots of a broken heart accidentally breaking through to the surface.

Fertilization and feeding

In early spring, the bleeding center needs superphosphate fertilizer. And when the plant blooms, it is recommended to feed the bushes with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which can extend the flowering time of the dicentra. But in the fall, humus is fertilized under each bush and the roots of the plant are watered with manure infusion. If you take care of the dicenter correctly, it will grow into a large and beautiful bush.

And in spring and autumn, it is advisable to feed the plant

Reproduction

You can plant a flower by seeds or using root cuttings.

Seed method

Reproduction and cultivation of dicentra by seed method is considered unpromising due to cold winters. The fact is that planting is required in the fall, before winter, and the bulk of the planting material dies in the cold. But a film or non-woven shelter can preserve them and give spring shoots. Planting on seedlings does not give a satisfactory result due to low germination and weakness of the sprouts.

By dividing the bush

The dug out adult strong and healthy bush is carefully divided into several parts with a sharp knife so that each has 3 or more buds. Landing holes are made at a distance of at least half a meter from each other, in depth they should be at least 30 cm.

Dividing the bush is necessary not only in order to get new plants and propagate the planting. It is necessary for the dicenter itself in order to reduce the risk of root rot, to which it has a tendency.

Home forcing root cuttings

This method is considered the most promising, in part it is similar to the previous one. At the very end of summer, in the last days of August, an adult plant is dug up and divided into seedlings. Each cut must be planted separately in its own container, after which they are placed in a cold and dark place, where they are for about 3 months, i.e. almost until winter. All this time, the earth must be moderately moistened, avoiding drying out. By the end of autumn, they are transferred to the house on a light windowsill and actively looked after (watered and sprayed). Very soon, the delenki will release flower stalks and bloom, decorating the home.But, as soon as the flowering comes to an end, containers with young seedlings must be taken back to a darkened and cool place. In the spring they will be ready for removal and planting in open ground.

Important! The roots of the dicenter contain toxic substances, so it is necessary to work with them with gloves!

What kind of care does the Dicenter require?

Watering the plants with moderate, soft water, keep the soil moist constantly. Even on dry days, you need to ensure that there is no overflow of water, the roots rot from its excess. Loosening of the soil under the bushes is required, because the roots require oxygen. Of course, weeds must be removed. In spring frosts, young shoots should be covered overnight. Since the Dicentra winters in the open field, new plantings are also made immediately in the garden, and they are cared for according to general requirements.

Fertilizing the plant at the beginning of its flowering is carried out with nitrogen fertilizers, during the period of full flowering, the bushes are fed with superphosphate, in the fall around the trunk of the bush they are watered with mullein infusion, the soil is mulched with humus. To prolong flowering, it is necessary to cut off fading inflorescences in time, the plant immediately throws out new shoots of flowers.

Bushes do not need to be replanted for 5-6 years. Then the bush is dug up, the dying, lonely rhizome is carefully divided into several new seedlings with 3-4 buds, they are planted in a new, pre-prepared place. The place of the cut must be sprinkled with ash. The dicentra is planted immediately in the open field, and requires little maintenance.

The Dicentra transplant is carried out with the onset of the autumn cold snap, as soon as the bush stops blooming. Shrubs can be transplanted in the spring - on warm April-May days. The dicenter is planted in the open ground and given the necessary care.

What does the bleeding center combine with?

An exotic shrub prefers shaded places and feels great under trees, in the shade of an apple, linden, bird cherry, near the house, where the shadow at least occasionally falls on it. Dicenter goes well with the same shade-loving perennials.

Some species can grow beautifully in a sunlit area. The dicenter in the garden, as seen in the photo, is filled with a flower carpet with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, phlox. A flower with a kupena, lungwort, primrose, various types of fern will look great. Low-growing species of dicentra, together with forget-me-nots and primroses, will create a beautiful flower bed against the background of rubble or tiles along the garden path.

Comment! Climbing dicenter, as a representative of lianas, can also be used in vertical gardening and launched along a support, trellis or tall shrubs.

Landing a "broken heart"

Different types of dicentra have some peculiarities when choosing a soil.For the magnificent dicentra, which is native to the Far East, gravelly slopes on which it grows in natural conditions is preferable. In addition, it can hardly tolerate dry air.

Unlike this species, others are less finicky. But for any of these plants, there are a number of basic rules for planting:

All plants of this species love shade, feel good in the shade of trees. If the dicenter grows in a shaded place, then its flowering begins a little later, but much longer, and the flowers are brighter and their color is much more saturated. Dicenter does not like direct sunlight. At the same time, she needs constant watering, the flowers fade noticeably and the flowering period is reduced.
Any dicenter needs moisture-permeable soil with good drainage. The plant loves water. Watering should be done frequently, especially in dry weather. But it is also impossible to overflow the flower, stagnation of water in the roots can lead to decay and the formation of root rot.
For "crying hearts" the soil must be fertile. For planting it, after laying the drainage layer in the holes, compost is certainly added to the soil for planting. In addition, it will be gratefully accepted by the plant if limestone chips are added there.

The center will feel great being in the shade of a house or trees.

How to decorate the site

For arranging the landscape in the garden, you can create compositions with lungwort or daffodils. A flower bed with a bush, tulips and hyacinths will look good. For arranging rockeries and borders, you need to choose varieties that are small in height. And taller plants are suitable for self-cultivation.

With a minimum of effort, you will get a beautiful blooming flower bed. The original flower of the bleeding center does not require care, it is easy to grow, decorating the site.

Planting process

Planting technology for the dicenter will not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners. The main condition is to have healthy and strong seedlings with 2-3 formed leaves. Step by step algorithm:

Dig planting holes in the flowerbed up to 30 cm deep and 40 cm wide.The interval between plants should be at least 35 cm.
At the bottom, lay a drainage layer of broken brick or crushed stone up to 10 cm thick. Additionally, it is recommended to add a little mixture of wood ash and sand in equal proportions.
Place the seedling strictly in the center of the planting hole, carefully straighten the roots. Cover with nutritious soil so that the root collar is flush with the ground.
Tamp the planting site, pour abundantly with warm water and mulch 5-8 cm thick.

Immediately after planting, it is not recommended to disturb the plant, apply fertilizers and water often. The adaptation process takes from 7 to 14 days.

Pest control

The plant is not very susceptible to disease. Occasionally, there may be cases of stripes and spots on young leaves and elongated rings on mature ones.

This is how ring spotting, as well as tobacco mosaic, appear. Microplasma disease causes yellowing or greening of flowers. Curved peduncles stop growing.

To prevent such consequences, prevention is necessary. First, adjust your watering. Secondly, it will be useful to treat the soil 30 days before planting the seedlings with a 5% formalin solution. Remember to remove aphids and kill weeds.

Types of dicenter

The genus dicentra includes several varieties of annual and perennial ground cover, herbaceous plants, shown below in the photo. Science knows about 20 varieties, but only about ten are common among flower growers. All of them differ in the size of the bush, the splendor of the flowering, the color of the buds and the conditions of care. Grown as garden and indoor plants. Some varieties are capable of forcing - an artificial exit from a dormant state into the active phase of the growing season.

The center is magnificent

The gorgeous bleeding center (Fumaria Spectabilis) is the most popular among other varieties in Russia. It has another name - "magnificent heart". The description of the splendid dicenter was made by the Swedish explorer Karl Linnaeus at the beginning of the 18th century. Sprawling perennial reaches a height of 1 m. It has decorative pinnately dissected leaves with different shades of top and bottom on long (up to 12 cm) petioles. The racemose inflorescences adorn the ends of the branches.

Dicentra grows well in partial shade, where flowering is longer and more abundant, which usually begins at the end of May and lasts a little more than a month. Then the upper part dies off, and the bush goes into a state of dormancy until next spring. The species is winter-hardy, withstands frosts down to -350C with proper shelter for the bush for the winter.

The center is beautiful

The plant species Dicentra Formosa is native to North America. A low, spreading perennial grows up to 40 cm and blooms with purple-pink hearts, collected in inflorescences, almost all summer from June to September. Green leaves on long stalks are collected in a basal rosette.

It has several varieties. Used for landscaping rocky gardens and as a ground cover plant in natural parks.

Dicenter golden-flowered

In natural conditions, the species Dicentra Chrysantha can be found in Mexico and southern California, on the dry slopes of the mountains. Sprawling and tall shrub varies in height from 45 to 152 cm. It blooms from spring to early autumn with bright yellow buds. It is not easy to grow this thermophilic species in the garden, since it is picky about the conditions of care and does not tolerate the cold.

Dicenter nodular

In nature, the species of dicentra nodule (D. cuccularia) grows in eastern North America, on poor sandy soil, as well as in the humid forests of Oregon and Washington. This is one of the shortest species. The dicenter grows up to 20 cm and has translucent white flowers with a yellow stripe and long spurs, as seen in the photo. Flowering begins in early spring with foliage blooming.

The root system of the variety resembles a spruce cone, consisting of small nodules. This species is often grown as a houseplant. There is a Pittsburgh variety with pink flowers.

Attention! The plant of the nodule species is very poisonous. You need to work with it carefully. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals.

Other types of dicenter

There are other types and varieties of dicentra, the seedlings of which can be purchased in a specialized store, where they are usually supplied from Holland. All these varieties can be grown by flower lovers at home on a windowsill or closed loggia.

You can name at least 6 more of the most famous types of dicentra.

Excellent or exceptional (D. Eximia) refers to the undersized species. It grows up to 25 cm, blooms for two months with dark purple, pink or white flowers with gray-gray leaves on long stalks, resembling fern leaves. Used for winter forcing. Has a pink Boothman`s Variety.

Climbing (D. Scandens) - Himalayan liana with branches up to 2 m and yellow or light pink elongated flowers. In the middle lane, it is grown as an annual plant. An interesting frost-resistant variety Golden tears with yellow flowers that have a pink tint. The buds of this variety bloom from June to autumn cold weather.

Canadian (D. canadensis) is similar to nodule. It is a low bush with pure white flowers on short pedicels, collected in inflorescences of 3-10 pcs. Blooms in mid-spring. It has gray-gray feathery leaves on long petioles, collected in a basal rosette. Combines beautifully with primroses.

Vagrant (D. Peregrina) has a thousand-year history of existence. It looks like a short, miniature perennial with heavily dissected gray leaves. They are collected in a basal rosette, have large elongated purple-white buds.It is considered a pioneer of stony, slag and sandy fields. It is widely used for landscaping alpine hills and rocky gardens.

Single-flowered (D. Uniflora) is named so because it does not create inflorescences, but blooms with single light purple flowers, covering the entire bush at home from late February to mid-August. It is difficult to grow, and in nature, due to its small stature (about 10 cm), it is difficult to find it among the grass. At home in America, this species is often called the "ox's head" for the strongly bent petals, reminiscent of the horns on the head of a Texas ox.

Small-flowered (D. Pauciflora) grows on the slopes of mountains, at an altitude of 1300-3300 m, on the North American continent. Represents erect stems 10-12 cm high with inflorescences of 2-3 flowers of light purple color. It looks like a one-flowered one, but the petals are bent less, therefore it has another name "short-horned ox head". On the territory of Russia, it is grown as a houseplant.

Attention! Flower lovers have the opportunity to choose from this variety the type of dicentra that will help them bring their creative ideas to life. But for this it is necessary to create a minimum of natural conditions for the successful growth of culture.

Autumn care and wintering

Since the seed method of propagation is not very popular, it is rarely necessary to collect seeds. But if the seed pods have time to ripen before frost, you can collect seeds for future crops. Choose suitable flowers and do not cut them until the seeds are ripe. After collection, dry them in a warm, dry place and store in paper bags.

Before wintering, the ground part of the bush is cut to the level of the soil, leaving only 3-5 cm of stems on the surface. Although most species of dicentra are considered cold-resistant, it is better to cover them with peat or ephedra in a layer of 5-8 cm for the winter. A very thick layer of mulch does not need to be done so that the roots do not get stuck.

In harsh climates, it is best to dig up the plant and store it in a flower pot with a peat-sand mixture over the winter. Place it in a cool room (you can in the basement) until the end of January. From February, take out to a bright place, increase watering. And in the spring, plant a bush on the site.

Forcing the dicenter

The plant lends itself to winter flowering in a pot culture. With the right actions of the florist, graceful hearts bloom on Valentine's Day or March 8 - such a cute homemade gift is obtained for his fair half of the family.

For distillation, they dig out a strong bush and divide it into several strong parts.

Planted in 2-3 delenki in wide flower containers with a sufficient number of drainage holes, filled with garden, leafy soil and coarse river sand in a ratio of 2: 2: 1. Before the arrival of cold weather, they are left outside or brought into a cool greenhouse.

With the onset of frost, the pots with plants are lowered into the basement, where the temperature is maintained close to zero.

In January, they are brought into a fairly bright room with a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, then the thermometer is increased to 18-20 degrees above zero.

They take care, like most indoor flowers - watering, feeding for flowering plants, loosening an earthen coma. After the end of flowering, the dicenter is again taken out to the basement, and in May it is transplanted to a flower bed.

Description of dicenter

The scientific name of the dicenter has a completely justified translation from the Greek language - "dvusporets" because of the two spurs located at the petals of the corolla. The culture belongs to the subfamily smokyanka poppy family.

A botanical description of a plant can be done like this:

the height of a bush of erect or spreading stems, depending on the species, can reach 0.15-1.0 m;
dicenter flowers are of different shades of yellow, pink-purple or pure white, up to 2-3 cm in diameter, flattened in the form of a heart with two petals bent at the bottom and a teardrop-like petal peeking out rolled into a tube;
inflorescences racemose, drooping, located at the ends of branches bent in an arc and towering above the foliage, flowering on average lasts 35-40 days;
leaves are dvazhdytroychatye or thrice-pinnate, large, openwork, green with a bluish tint, have a decorative appearance;
nectar is stored in hollow formations - spurs located outside the petals;
seeds of dicentra are black in color with a shiny surface and an oblong shape, are located inside the seed capsule and retain the ability to germinate for up to 2 years;
fleshy roots, well developed, deeply embedded in the soil.

For gardeners, the dicenter is interesting in that it does not require special care and can grow both in shaded areas and in open sunny areas. In the shade, flowering occurs somewhat later than in the sun. But the color of the petals is more saturated and lasts longer. It is not particularly demanding on the soil, although it prefers a nutritious, moist and well-drained soil, which will provide a lush growth of the bush. Some species do not tolerate stagnant water and severe drought.

Important! Low and swampy areas are not suitable for planting dicenter. The fleshy root of the plant is prone to decay.

The plant is resistant to low temperatures, requires shelter for the winter only in severe frosts. A bush can live in one place without transplanting for up to 8 years. But it is desirable to rejuvenate it by dividing the rhizome after 4-5 years.

Reproduction of dicentra in central Russia in practice is possible only in two ways: by cuttings and dividing the bush.

Photo dicenter

Landing features

Since the Dicentra is a bush, as a rule, perennial, to the selection of a place on flowerbed you need to be careful.

Where to plant?

A properly planted plant will not cause difficulties, and growing a dicentra will turn into a pleasure. When choosing a site, consider the following criteria:

Solar shine... The ideal option would be partial shade. Bright sun will cause flowering to stop quickly and can negatively affect the leaves. In full shade, the flowers will not bloom for a very long time;
Fertile soil. It is best to pre-feed the soil with humus (3 kg per meter) and standard mineral fertilizer for garden plants (15 g per bucket of water);
Drainage. Too clay and moist soil is best mixed with peat or sand to avoid rotting of the root system from stagnant water.

How to plant?

Pit for bush should be dug at a depth of 40 cm and have approximately the same diameter. Do not forget to leave a distance between the bushes (half a meter will be enough).

Drainage is laid at the bottom of the hole - crushed stone or broken brick... Loose soil mixed with compost is filled in the remaining space. If the earth needs to be lightened, sand is added. Limestone chips mixed into the soil have a beneficial effect on the dicenter.

Advice! All procedures related to planting and transplanting the dicenter should be carried out with gloves. The roots of this flower are poisonous. Also, make sure that the animals do not eat the edges of the roots that have been knocked out of the ground.

Dicentra - an extraordinary decoration of the garden

What does the dicenter look like?

Dicenter in nature lives in the Far East, East China, the Korean Peninsula and the North American continent. This exotic flower was brought to Europe from Japan at the beginning of the 19th century and already then gained wide popularity due to its unusual shapes. Looking at the flowers of the dicenter, one gets the impression that delicate defenseless hearts are suspended at the ends of the branches, split in the lower part, from where a tear or a drop of blood is about to fall.

Because of its romantic appearance, the dicenter has a second name, usually accepted among people. The Russians call it "broken heart", the British call it "bleeding heart", the Germans call it "the flower of the heart." And the sentimental French even came up with an unfortunate love story associated with the emergence of this flower. A girl named Jeanette got lost in the woods.A young boy helped her find her way home, with whom she immediately fell in love and dreamed of meeting him. Once a wedding cortege drove through the village in which Jeanette lived. In the role of the groom, the girl recognized her lover. Her heart broke from grief, Jeanette fainted and died. This unusual flower grew in that place. The French call it "Jeanette's heart".

For a long time, the flowers of the dicenter have personified romantic relationships and were chosen among young people in love. Almost every florist planted this plant in his area. Several decades ago, due to the influx of a large selection of other exotic crops into the horticultural market, interest in the dicenter has somewhat subsided. Currently, designers have turned their eyes to the flower, actively including different varieties of culture in landscape and flower compositions. Their work gave the flower new life and the ability to evoke admiring glances with its unusual shape.

Choice of place and conditions of detention

Dicenter has unpretentiousness to external conditions. The flower can be grown almost anywhere. Feels comfortable on dining ground, in darkened areas and lowlands.

Lighting and location

A broken heart flower is unpretentious to the quality of lighting. A flower bed is suitable for him, both in a sunny and shady place. Long daylight hours directly affect the abundance of flowering and color saturation of the buds. In sunny areas, budding begins faster.

The plant can be grown as part of a multi-species planting or as a tapeworm. Combines with low-growing coniferous shrubs and trees, phlox. Suitable for planting next to a fence or structure.

Temperature

Dicentra is a thermophilic plant, but it grows well in temperate latitudes. It has a pronounced stage of vegetation and dormancy, each of which needs a special temperature regime. Active growth is observed only in warm weather at 10-22 ° C. For the winter, it is required to mulch the soil and carry out a shelter, the root system freezes in severe frosts. If you are growing a plant in a pot, then in winter it is recommended to keep the flower at a temperature of 5-8 ° C.

Air and humidity

The plant loves moist soil, but has a negative attitude towards stagnation of water in the soil. Do not plant the dicenter near water bodies, places with surface groundwater. With waterlogging, growth slows down, the root and stem begin to rot, and the risk of fungal diseases also increases.

Despite the fragility of the shoots, the bush tolerates strong winds well. Support is not required even for tall varieties. When grown as a pot culture, frequent frosts should be avoided; against their background, the plant withers and looks weakened.

Priming

Dicentra prefers loose and fertile soil. It grows best in loamy and sandy loam areas with good drainage and a neutral acid reaction. To normalize the pH, it is recommended to add limestone or chalk chips during the preparation of the site. The soil should be light and breathable, which can be achieved by regular loosening after watering.