Bleeding heart, lyre flower (Lamprocapnos / dicentra spectabilis)

and only blossoms for a relatively short time. Its delicate flowers are popular for Valentine's Day as cut flowers, as they have a surprisingly perfect heart shape and also last quite long in a vase.

You should wear gloves when cutting them, as the lyre flower can have a skin-irritating effect. It is slightly poisonous and is used as a homeopathic remedy.

Bleeding heart seeds, content approx 10. The seeds need a peroid of cold to germinate. Sow them either in autumn or stratify them in spring. To do this, first keep them warm and moist for about 2 weeks, then store them in the refrigerator for 4 weeks in a plastic bag. Plant young plants in March or April after the last night frosts.

Partial shade or sun with nutrient-rich, permeable and slightly calcareous soil is optimal.