Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) & Mulch... Good or Bad

JKAPoole

I've grown Dicentra for years... even before I flew the nest. I planted my first pair 20ish years ago at my folks place. They sit either side of the steps leading up to the front door. They appear and look stunning every Spring. Without a doubt one of my favourite plants.

So it goes with saying that I've decided to add them to the front garden of my new place. To keep the front garden simple, clean and good at retaining water, I have applied a 3-4cm layer of bark mulch (1cm x 2cm x 4cm approx bark pieces).

My concern is would the mulch stop the Dicentra from returning in the spring when it starts to rise out of the ground? 

Any advise or previous experience with this situation would be appreciated.

Thanks

Lyn

I doubt it, if it’s anything like mine it would come through anything,  I have 2 different sorts, I cover them with mulch every autumn. 

JKAPoole

Thanks Lyn,

I'll get them out of their pots and into the ground ASAP before the die back completely.

BloodyNora

Agree with others they are quite resilient and will come through year after year....except when the builders dig it out I'm still recovering from that loss!)

Pauline 7

Do you have to cut them right down to the ground then? I have got one,  (only got it last year) and i'm not sure how far to cut it back.

purplerallim

I dont cut at all, just leave it to die back. I have white and valentine. 

JKAPoole

I always leave them to die back on there own. I'm not sure if doing so allows the plant to take nutrients back into the plant. You may need to clean up some of the dead remnants. Once died back, just be mindful not to whack it with the hoe while working around it.

Pauline 7

Thanks both