Shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year

‘Passion Hearts’ represents a significant step forward in Dicentra breeding, transforming expectations of this much-loved genus. Developed through a focused breeding programme using alpine, eximia and formosana parentage, it brings together improved vigour, resilience and an exceptionally long flowering season.

Careful selection from advanced

A plant produced by crossing two distinct parents, often different species, to produce offspring that combine the characteristics of both. Hybrids can occur naturally, but crosses are often made deliberately by plant breeders to produce plants with better yield, improved flowering or vigour, or improved disease resistance.

Unlike classic

Why grow it in your garden?

‘Passion Hearts’ stands out for more than one reason:

• True full sun tolerance - a major advancement for Dicentra
• Long flowering season of 150+ days from spring to autumn
• Distinctive bicolour flowers in rich and soft rose pink
• High
  A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.

  bud count, producing more flowers per stem for a fuller display
• Attractive, finely divided blue-green foliage adds texture and interest
• Hardy, reliable and easy to grow in a wide range of conditions
• Ideal for modern, low-maintenance planting schemes

Care and growing advice

This dicentra is designed to be both versatile and rewarding, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.

Where to plant?

• Suitable for garden borders or containers
• Thrives in full sun to light shade
• Performs best in well-drained soil
• Ideal for contemporary planting schemes and mixed
  Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs.

  perennial borders

How to care for it:

• ​Water during prolonged dry periods, particularly while establishing
• Avoid heavy,
  Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted. 

  waterlogged soils, especially in winter
• Ensure good drainage for long-term health and performance

Simple care:

• Deadheading is not essential, but can help maintain a tidy appearance
• Minimal maintenance required once established
• In hotter climates, light afternoon shade may help maintain flower quality

With its extended flowering period, improved sun tolerance and refined foliage, ‘Passion Hearts’ offers a new level of flexibility for gardeners.

Innovative, resilient and beautifully floriferous, it redefines Dicentra as a versatile, sun-performing perennial.

Breeder: Hans Hansen from Walters Garden. Exhibitor: Gardeners Delight Nursery. Supplier: Gardeners Delight Nursery.