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Planted with other shade lovers such as Ferns, Hostas and Hellebores, Dicentra adds charm and beauty woodland or shady garden. Bleeding-heart is a truly breath-taking showstopper of a plant when fully grown. Try growing Dicentra through other shrubs which flower at different times or using wigwam supports. Dicentra prefers to be in the shade and enjoys a cooler climate, but can survive in hotter weather if kept moist constantly. It is naturally dormant in the summer, so the cooler the climate the more fabulously it will bloom.

Dicentra thrives in humus rich, moisture retentive soil. Keep it well watered during periods of drought especially if planted in a sunny position, drought conditions will result in early dormancy, however prolonged wet soil can prove fatal so avoid over-wetting. Once established, Bleeding Hearts have brittle roots and don't like disturbance, so take care when planting around its base. If you wish to divide the root ball, do so in March or April and take root cuttings in spring.

Dicentra can look a little messy after the finish blooming. Cut them down to 15 cm. 6 inches will encourage new growth and often will produce a smaller crop of flowers in late summer or autumn.

Sow Dicentra seeds as soon as possible, ideally in the autumn at temperatures around 18 to 22°C (64 to 71°F) At other times of the year stratification, or simulating winter by storing the seeds in the fridge, in a moist medium for a few weeks aids germination.

Sow the seeds in moist, well drained compost and cover lightly with vermiculite. Do not cover as the seeds as they need light to germinate. Keep the tray at 18 to 22°C for 2 to 4 weeks. Then move seeds to a fridge at 4°C (39°F) for 4 to 6 weeks then bring the tray back up to 5 to 12°C (41 to 53°F) for germination. Seeds are slow and erratic to germinate, taking from 30 to 180 days.

Prick out each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle and transplant into individual 3 inch pots or trays. Once the plant is established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for a couple of weeks before planting out, spaced 45cm (18in) apart.