
Valentine’s day brings hearts of all kinds but in the Midwest you have to wait a little longer for the popular garden ornamental known as common or old-fashioned bleeding heart to come into bloom. Transplant these into an appropriate location, if necessary.Bleeding Heart is a common garden ornamental. The rich soil created by ant’s waste in their nesting places is ideal for Dutchman’s breeches growing conditions as well. Seeds of the plant are often spread by ants, so expect to see them in unexpected locations in the nearby landscape. Allow plenty of room for its spread or be prepared to dig and replant tubers during the dormant season. Keep in mind that this plant grows from an underground tuber and may spread rapidly when planted in the right location. The edge of nearby woodlands is a great place to plant this spring blossom. If your landscape has the appropriate Dutchman’s breeches growing conditions as described above, the answer is yes. Can You Grow a Dutchman’s Breeches Plant? In fact, it is probably best to wear gloves when taking care of Dutchman’s breeches. The plants also create a poppy-like hallucinogen and should not be consumed by humans. This refers to cattle that have overindulged in the wild plant in their pastures, causing convulsions and a staggering gait. You may also hear Dutchmen’s breeches called Staggerweed. canadensis), earning the playful pair the name of Boys and Girls.

In the wild, Dutchman’s breeches wildflower is often found growing with squirrel corn ( D. The botanical name is Dicentra cucullaria. In fact, Dutchman’s breeches wildflower is sometimes called wild bleeding heart.īlooms (called spurs) are similar to those of the bleeding-heart plant, but shaped differently, more like a pair of pantaloons than a heart– thus, the common name of Dutchman’s breeches wildflower.

You may wonder exactly what is Dutchman’s breeches? It is a wildflower of the Dicentra clan, similar to the Dicentra bleeding heart. Soil should dry out during dormancy for ideal Dutchman’s breeches growing. Dappled shade and organic, humus soil, such as that found on the forest floor, facilitate the best growth.Īcidic, moist soil is necessary for the brief bloom of the plant. Dutchman’s breeches wildflower grows best in conditions similar to their native woodland habitat. Dutchman’s Breeches Growing ConditionsĬare of Dutchman’s breeches is fairly minimal when they’re located in the right spot.

This may lead you to wonder can you grow a Dutchman’s breeches plant in your cultivated landscape? You might be able to grow this plant if you can provide the right Dutchman’s breeches growing conditions. Frilly foliage and unusual blooms appear delicate and attractive. You’re likely to find Dutchman’s breeches wildflower ( Dicentra cucullaria) blooming in late spring and growing with other wildflowers in shaded woodland areas.
