Dicentra cucullaria

Also Known As

Dutchman's Breeches

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 6"
W: 1'

planting zones

3a-7b

More Options

Dicentra cucullaria plant details

Dicentra cucullaria is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with blue foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and regular - low water. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dicentra cucullaria

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: papaveraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 1 FT wide, 0 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dicentra cucullaria

USDA Zones: 3a - 7b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This delicate species has unusually shaped blooms that are long, waxy, and white with yellow tips. The foliage is finely cut and grey-green. Found in eastern North America in rich moist woods, Dicentra cucullaria is an ephemeral species that goes dormant by early summer. This habit can be used to great advantage around hostas, rodgersias, hellebores and other plants with late emerging foliage since Dutchman’s breeches will be finishing its season just as these other plants are getting going.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Somewhat similar to the above but with larger, very interestingly shaped pendulous flowers. Both species are ideal for the front of the woodland border, but should be interplanted with other types of plants due to their early disappearing act.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

My first-grade teacher Mrs. Trickett introduced me to these curious little woodland wildflowers that have been grown in gardens since colonial days. Decades later, I planted a few in a shady spot in my own garden where they've multiplied happily. Over finely-cut, soft green leaves, their flowers dangle like old-fashioned Dutch pantaloons, charming all who see them. Formerly Dielytra and Corydalis, 7-10", zones 3a-7b(8bWC)

By: Old House Gardens

One of the first woodland wildflower to appear in spring, the delicate white flowers and lacy blue-green foliage of Dutchman's Breeches announce the end of winter! Dicentra cucullaria grows in any well-drained soil with a modicum of humus. It actually thrives on shaded rocky limestone hillsides, and will grow in cracks in the rock where a bit of soil has accumulated. Plants goes dormant in late spring, making way for summer and fall-blooming wildflowers. Hardy to Zones 3 ? 7.

By: Prairie Nursery

Almost identical to canadensis in foliage, the bulbs are much different and the fat white golden-throated flowers of cucullaria look like a tiny pair of white pants, not just any pants but Dutchman's breeches, it too can form extensive patches. ZONE 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Has adorable double-winged creamy-white flowers above blue-green, ferny leaves. Great companion to later emerging plants since they go dormant after blooming.