Dicentra: planting and caring for the "broken heart"

The dicentra is a herbaceous perennial that reaches a height of 30 to 100 cm. It is used as an ornament of plots on flowerbeds and lawns. There are also undersized forms of this plant up to 20 cm high. Such varieties are most often placed on alpine slides and curbs. The plant is very aesthetic. Dicentra, planting and care for which nothing difficult to imagine, is characterized by unusually beautiful double-triple leaflets and heart-shaped flowers collected in a brush or inflorescence. In nature, there are about 20 species of this plant. Flowers often have a pink or reddish tinge. For their interesting shape, the plant is popularly called a "broken heart", since they really resemble a heart that is split in half.

Dicentra, whose care during the summer period consists in weeding, loosening and sufficient watering, multiplies by dividing the bush, green cuttings and seeds. In the first case, planting is carried out in spring or autumn. The bush is neatly divided into several parts in such a way that the roots are left on each, and transferred to a new place. Green plant stems are best planted in June.

The charming plant of the dicenter, planting and caring for which can be produced even by a not too experienced florist, loves loose soils. Well, if the soil on the lawn is fertilized with humus. When the flowerbed is broken down, it is worth choosing sunny places. The distance between the stems of individual plants depends on the particular species and on average is about 30-50 cm.

The Dicentra, whose photo can be viewed on the right, needs fertilizing with a full mineral fertilizer twice a season. It must also be applied to the soil in the autumn before digging the beds (20 grams per 10 liters). Although the plant refers to winter hardy and drought-resistant, dry water requires good watering. Buds can be damaged by spring frosts, since bloomers start early - in May. With an unfavorable weather forecast, the plants at this time should be covered with some non-woven covering material.

The dicentra, planting and caring for which is quite simple, can also multiply by seeds. Plant them best fresh. However, it will take quite a while to wait for the shoots. The fact is that they will germinate only in the second year after they are placed in the ground. Cherenki, as already mentioned above, is best taken in June, but for growing both the July and August ones will do. They are planted in a greenhouse to a depth of about 10 cm. It is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly moist. Sprouts at the same time appear about a month later. Transfer to a permanent place rooted plant only in the next spring.

The dicenter, landing and care of which is quite possible for any summer owner or gardener, is perfect for decorating any site. Both leaves and flowers are considered decorative. At the moment, the most common are the three varieties of this plant. The magnificent center can reach a height of 80 cm. It is good to use for covering various unaesthetic constructions on the site, as well as urns, compost piles, etc. Dicentra elegant (up to 30 cm) is perfect for any flower beds and lawns. Low-growth D. exceptional is most often used on alpine slides. Its height usually does not exceed 20 cm.