Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Saturday - April 23, 2011
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Can Dicentra exemia survive in Texas from Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is the Houston/Austin area too hot to grow "Bleeding Hearts" dicentra eximia (King of Hearts) They seem to grow in the wild in Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.ANSWER:
About all we can tell you is that this USDA Plant Profile map for Dicentra eximia (Turkey corn) does not show it growing anywhere close to Texas, period. Its habitat generally is considered to be the southern mountain forests. It likes shade, and a moist acidic soil. Follow the plant link above to see what else our Native Plant Database has to say about it, and then read Pink Fringed Bleeding Hearts from Paghat's Garden. The funny thing is, in terms of USDA Hardiness Zones, acidic soil (in Houston), and shade requirements, you should be able to grow it in Houston, but it doesn't seem to be happening. If you can lay your hands on some for propagation, and are willing to respect the cultural requirements, it might at least be worth a try.
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