Dicentra 'Fire Island' Bleeding Heart

Dicentra 'Fire Island' is a remarkable, sun-loving bleeding heart that outshines its predecessors. A compact and bushy perennial, it reaches just 10 to 15 inches tall at full maturity, making it perfect for small-space gardens, rock gardens, or patio containers. Blooming earlier and longer than most bleeding hearts, 'Fire Island' dazzles from early/mid spring into midsummer with sprays of magenta-red, heart-shaped flowers. These nodding blooms hover gracefully above frosty blue, fern-like foliage that remains vibrant throughout the season, creating a striking contrast. Both the flowers and foliage make stunning additions to cut arrangements.

Commonly called bleeding heart or fern-leaved bleeding heart, 'Fire Island' is hardy in Zones 4-7. Its versatile charm suits any garden style but shines especially bright in cottage gardens, borders, and alpine settings. It can also serve as ground cover or as an underplanting for shrubs, provided it gets adequate sun. Unlike most bleeding hearts, 'Fire Island' produces no seed, allowing for an extended bloom time.

This alpine variety thrives in a partially shady to shady spot with well-draining, humusy soil and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. While it enjoys sun, some afternoon shade can help protect it in hotter climates. Keep the soil consistently moist during summer for optimal growth. Naturally resistant to disease and critters, 'Fire Island' is as reliable as it is beautiful.

Plant 'Fire Island' Bleeding Heart roots in spring, burying them 1½ to 2 inches deep and spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart for a stunning display.