Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

Also known as: Snowboys, White hearts, Monks head, Kitten breeches, Little boys breeches

The name "Dutchman's breeches" originates from the flower's shape, which looks like traditional Dutch trousers. This woodland plant blooms in early spring, typically between March and April, providing an important early food source for bees and other pollinators. By late summer, the plant goes dormant.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Dutchman's breeches

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 46 cm

Spread

15 cm to 20 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow Pink

Images of Dutchman's breeches

Quickly Identify Dutchman's breeches

Heart-shaped, nodding flowers in white to pink shades.

Compound, deeply dissected, fern-like leaves creating feathery backdrop.

White flowers with inflated petals resembling upside-down pantaloons.

Oval fruit capsules tapering to points at both ends like lanterns.

Tan to reddish-brown stem with smooth texture, unbranched and slender.

Scientific Classification of Dutchman's breeches

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Poppy

Genus

Bleeding-Hearts

Species

Dutchman's breeches

Planting and Growing of Dutchman's breeches

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Dutchman's breeches?

Water Dicentra cucullaria until the water evenly moistens the top few inches of soil, about 200 ml per watering. Ensure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged. This amount reflects the plant's natural habitat preferences where consistent but moderate moisture levels are optimal.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Dutchman's breeches? ›

What should I do if my Dutchman's breeches is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Dutchman's breeches? ›

How to save an overwatered Dutchman's breeches? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dutchman's breeches?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 3-6 hours daily

Partial sun ensures Dicentra cucullaria receives balanced light, which promotes lush foliage and prolific blooming. This range reduces stress from overheating and provides enough energy for robust photosynthesis and growth.

Optimal Placement Outdoors ›

Indoor Lighting Strategy ›

Adjusting to Seasonal Changes ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Dutchman's breeches?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

Dicentra cucullaria thrives in a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. This range allows the plant to maintain healthy growth and optimal leaf development. Ensuring that the temperature stays within this range can lead to better flowering and overall plant vigor.

What Soil is Best for Dutchman's breeches?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Dicentra cucullaria thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents root rot by allowing excess water to flow away quickly. This is crucial for their health as it mimics their natural habitat and keeps their roots from sitting in water. Although they need well-drained soil, maintaining sufficient moisture, especially in active growing phases, supports their growth. This balance can be achieved with organic-rich loam that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Rich in organic matter, this soil supports the nutrition needs of Dicentra cucullaria, ensuring adequate nutrients for optimum flowering and foliage health. Compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil nutrient levels.

How to Fertilize Dutchman's breeches?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Dicentra cucullaria, it's essential to apply fertilizer sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength to avoid nutrient burn. This ensures the delicate roots are not overwhelmed by excess nutrients, promoting steady growth without over-fertilization concerns.

How to Prune Dutchman's breeches?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Ensure your pruning shears are clean and sharp. This prevents the spread of disease and makes clean cuts that heal more quickly, reducing stress on the plant. Inspect the plant for any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves or stems. These parts can draw energy away from the healthy ones and should be removed to promote overall vigor. Begin by cutting away the dead or damaged leaves at the base, where they connect to healthier stems. Avoid cutting into the healthy tissue, which can stunt growth.

How to Propagate Dutchman's breeches plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring

Collect seeds in late spring once the pods have dried and split open. Sow them immediately on the soil surface in seed trays filled with well-drained, moist potting mix. Cover lightly with soil and place in a cool, shaded location until germination.

Divide the clumps of Dicentra cucullaria in early spring while the plant is still dormant. Carefully dig up the plant with a hand trowel, ensuring the delicate roots are intact. Separate the clumps ensuring each division has several roots and then replant immediately.

Once seeds have been sown or divisions made, water gently to settle the soil around seeds or plants. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging, which can rot the young seedlings or new divisions. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.

How to Repot Dutchman's breeches plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs such as roots coming out of the drainage holes or the soil drying out too quickly. These indicate that Dicentra cucullaria has outgrown its current pot and is ready for a new home. Ideally, repotting should be done in the spring when the plant comes out of dormancy and begins to grow actively.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one. It should have good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A ceramic pot can offer the stability needed for this upright plant and helps in maintaining the moisture balance. Ensure that the new pot is sturdy and allows roots room to grow, providing stability and preventing tipping.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix, enriched with organic matter such as compost. This type of soil helps retain the necessary moisture while allowing excess water to drain away, preventing root rot. The soil should be light and airy to promote healthy root development, enhancing growth and blooming.

Toxicity of Dutchman's breeches

Is Dutchman's breeches toxic to humans?

Owing to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, the dutchman's breeches can result in mild to severe toxic reactions when consumed, and can also produce slight skin dermatitis upon physical contact with the plant. Although such poisoning typically does not result in fatalities, it can lead to significant health issues. The onset of symptoms following ingestion occurs rapidly and generally includes tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, unsteady movements, convulsions, and respiratory difficulties. Contact with the foliage or any other portion of the plant can lead to redness, itchiness, rashes, and irritation. Every part of the dutchman's breeches is considered toxic.

Is Dutchman's breeches toxic to cat?

Dutchman's breeches is regarded as a toxic plant for cats. If cats ingest any portion of dutchman's breeches, they face the danger of poisoning, especially if they mistakenly consume the plant while exploring or engaging in play. Post-ingestion, the cat may show signs of physical distress, which can appear through behaviors suggesting illness or discomfort. It is essential for cat owners to maintain vigilance and ensure that dutchman's breeches is kept out of their pets' reach. Should poisoning be suspected, prompt action from a veterinary clinic is crucial to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the injured cat.

Is Dutchman's breeches toxic to dog?

Dutchman's breeches is recognized as a toxic species for dogs. All parts of this plant are deemed poisonous, posing a risk of poisoning if a dog ingests any section of it. When a dog consumes dutchman's breeches, it may show symptoms including gastrointestinal distress, tremors, or cardiac issues. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to keep their pets away from habitats where dutchman's breeches flourishes and to keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort that may suggest toxicity. Should a dog ingest dutchman's breeches, prompt veterinary assistance is vital to secure the best possible recovery for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.