DICENTRA. Bleeding heart. North America, Asia. The bleeding hearts are among the most elegant of our perennials. They form compact clumps from which sprays of much-divided, fernlike leaves issue in spring. Closely following the foliage and continuing into the summer months are slender stems of nodding, heart shaped blossoms. Winter deciduous. Part shade except near the coast, well drained soil, regular watering during active growth. Some species tend to rot during our wet winters, but the following performs well here. Hardy to 0^oF. and below.

formosa. Western bleeding heart. A native of the Pacific Coast, very easily grown. The typical form is a vigorous, broadly clumping plant with pale green leaves and usually light pink, sweetly fragrant flowers. 'Adrian Bloom' is smaller and even more profuse. It has remarkably blue leaves and bright pink flowers. 'Bacchanal' is a spectacular selection with bright green leaves and intense deep red flowers.