Dactylicapnos scandens

RHS Plant Profile
yellow bleeding heart vine

Synonyms

Dicentra thalictrifolia
Dicentra scandens f. thalictrifolia
Dicentra scandens
Corydalis scandens

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse

A herbaceous climber with deeply lobed leaves 15-30cm long, some with tendrils. Yellow or sometimes white 2.5cm long flowers, occasionally tipped with pink or purple, emerge from mid-spring to late summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Can cause stomach upset if ingested and contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Dactylicapnos (formerly included in Dicentra) are frost-tender deciduous climbing perennials or annuals, with compound or pinnate leaves, and flowers with heart-shaped outer petals which are characteristically pouched at the base, convergent to the tips, then bent outwards. These are usually borne in small, sometimes hanging, clusters, followed by pods, some strikingly inflated
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C Nepal to S China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in partial shade in a moist but well-drained, humus rich soil. A soil rich in leaf mould is ideal. Avoid soils that are prone to drying out or staying wet. Plant in a sheltered spot

Propagation

Propagate by seed; sow fresh seed in vermiculite or grit and place in a cold frame through winter (stratifying). If the clump is large enough, propagation may be possible by division when the plant is dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut back foliage down to ground level at end of growing season

Pests

Slugs and snails may be problematic

Diseases

Generally disease-free