Dutchman's Breeches Herbaceous Perennial Flower, Wildflower

Dicentra cucullaria Fumariaceae Family

This native woodland flower bears white flowers that resemble pantaloons (hence the name Dutchman's breeches) in spring, then

quickly fades. Great for a partly shaded wildflower garden. Unlike other

bleeding hearts, this plant sprouts from underground tubers.

Site Characteristics Plant Traits Special Considerations

Sunlight: Lifecycle: perennial Special characteristics:

. part shade Ease-of-c a r e : easy . deer resistant . non-aggressive Soil conditions: Height: 0.5 to 1 feet . non-invasive . native to North America - . requires acid soil Spread: 0.5 to 1 feet Eastern U.S. and Canada . requires damp soil Bloom time: mid-spring Prefers rich soil high in organic matter that is moist when the plant is Flower color: white blooming, then dry during dormancy. Foliage color: Hardiness zones: . gray-green . 3 to 8 . blue-green

May be only marginally hardy in Zone Bluish-gray g r e e n . 3. Foliage texture: me di u m

Shape:

. cushion, mound or clump . spreading mass

Spreads by growth sprouting off of underground tubers (not found in other Dicentras).

Shape in flower: flower stalks with flowers hanging downward

Growing Information How to plant:

Propagate by division or separation - After flowering, separate and replant tubers.

Maintenance and care: Provide dry growing conditions for summer dormancy. Place where later-appearing garden plants (such as hostas) will mask the bare spot left by dormant plants after blooming.

More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests: Slugs and snails (on new growth) Diseases: Verticillium wilt Fungal leaf spots Downy mildew Viruses Rusts