ROMANCE is in the air this week and nature’s on the move once again. Prompted into action by lengthening days and warmer sunshine, there’s frog spawn in the pond, the birds are singing loud and long, and my bantams have started to lay after their long winter rest. I’ve also got bleeding hearts racing into growth – Dicentra, Lamprocapnos and their relative Corydalis – just in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
While most of us think of them as dicentras, following the latest reshuffle by botanists the ‘new’ Latin name of the tall bleeding heart is Lamprocapnos spectabilis. Of course, this isn’t actually new at all. As one of the first Asian plants to be introduced into Europe c1810, this bleeding heart was officially named Lamprocapnos spectabilis in 1850, and only later became D. spectabilis. Elegant and beautiful at 11⁄2-3ft (50-100cm) tall, it may also be sold under its former name.
Pairing with tulips
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
