Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
Dicentra formosa
Western Bleeding Heart
Arching stems of pink heart-shaped flowers rise above the fern-like blue-green foliage of Dicentra formosa from late spring into summer. This compact, spreading bleeding heart creates attractive ground cover in cool woodland borders and partially shaded, moisture-retentive planting.
Plant Details
Size
- Max Height
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Max Spread
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North West East
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Rockeries
- Cut Flowers
- Groundcover
- Underplanting
- Flower Borders
- Merits
-
- Generally disease-free
- Good for Cut Flowers
- No pruning required
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Hydrangea Flower Colour: Soil, pH and Why Flowers Turn Blue or Pink
Hydrangea flower colour is governed by both cultivar genetics and aluminium availability in the soil. Learn why some mopheads and lacecaps turn blue in acidic conditions, pink in less acidic...
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How to Prune Hydrangeas: When and How to Prune Each Type
Learn when and how to prune mophead, lacecap, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas, with practical guidance on old wood, new wood, deadheading and renovating mature plants without unnecessarily sacrificing...
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How to Plant Hydrangeas: Position, Soil, Spacing and Establishment
Learn how to plant hydrangeas successfully, from choosing the right position and preparing the soil to correct planting depth, spacing, watering and early establishment.
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Types of Hydrangeas: Mophead, Lacecap, Panicle, Smooth, Oakleaf and Climbing
Mophead, lacecap, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas differ in far more than flower shape. This guide compares their growth, flowering habit, preferred position and garden use to help you...
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How to Grow Hydrangeas in Ireland: The Complete Guide
Hydrangeas are well suited to many Irish gardens, provided the type is matched to the position. This guide covers choosing Hydrangeas, light and soil, planting, watering, feeding, pruning, flower colour,...
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How to Grow Climbing Hydrangeas on Walls, Fences and Trees
Climbing hydrangeas are self-clinging, shade-tolerant woody climbers that can cover substantial walls, fences and mature trees, but they establish slowly and need a permanent position. This guide explains siting, support,...
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
Small gardens can accommodate hydrangeas very well when mature size and habit are considered from the outset. Compare compact mophead, panicle, oakleaf and lacecap choices that give substantial summer interest...
