Dicentra Valentine

Perfect strings of red-and-white valentines dangle from these dark red stems in late spring, beautifully formed, nicely puffed, and so neatly arranged. A classic look in bleeding heart, Valentine is an essential part of the spring show in your shade border . . . and that’s even without its purple-flushed foliage.

The blooms emerge before the leaves do, which really helps them stand out. Reminiscent of fuchsia blooms in their puffed-out appearance and tropically bright colors, they are profuse and surprisingly long-lasting, held in almost horizontal “clotheslines” along slender stems. So graceful. Cut a few branches for the house, and let the rest light up the spring perennial border.

When the leaves begin to uncurl, it’s hard to be disappointed. Yes, the flowers must soon pass, but the compensation is purple-streaked bright green leaves that keep their colors for weeks. Complementing the wine-red flower stems, the foliage really pops in the shade.

Valentine reaches about 30 inches high and wide, a very quick and vigorous grower. Hummingbirds flock to its blooms, and you will wish you had a much larger stand of plants when you see the spring display this little perennial is prepared to deliver.

Plant Valentine where you can enjoy its show up close, such as the front to middle of the border, as a specimen, and in the foundation. This is a plant to fall in love with, and in warm climates you may even see its hearts around Valentine’s Day.