Common bleeding heart

Can a Dicentra spectabilis be grown in a pot all year long? Mine didn't do so well in the ground this year and I am kind of hoping that it will like being in a pot. That way, I won't trim the roots when I plant other things.

It would be better off in the ground with afternoon shade and well-drained soil (something bark-y, not peat moss based). Why ndo you think it didn't do well in the ground? In zone 7b they start to go dormant in late June due to the heat. I wonder if you were just seeing summer dormancy?

Have to agree with plantfreak bout the summer dormancy of this lovely plant.
Dicentra's have very fleshy roots and I know they are easy broken IF you dig too close or even when trying to transplant somewhere else.
These plants flower early in spring and are past flowering by JUNE normally, the foliage also dies down and disappears completely by early summer, It is always best to place a garden cane where these plants are grown so you DONT disturb the roots when working close to the sleeping Dicentra's, they really don't do too good in pots as they don't get enough nutrients, room to spread their roots into cooler areas in the border and also they like watering well BUT not sitting in wet soil, I add humus to the soil at planting time as it allows air into the soil, keeps the roots healthy and moisture retentive without being wet mushy soil,
Hope this helps you a little and all works out next time you grow this lovely delecate looking plant with lovely lacey looking foliage.
Good luck and kindest Regards.
WeeNel.

Thanks so much for your replies.
I do have mine in the ground but was hoping to have them in pots so I don't cut into the roots and then they can become bigger and fuller plants. It usually happens in spring when I start dividing and transplanting other plants that need it. Mine bloom around May and June and go completely dormant in September. The green stays on all summer. I have it planted in a garden that is slightly sandy. I don't know how it got that way, but that area has been like that since we moved here 11 years ago.
I really appreciate your advice! Thanks.

The best way to try growing the plant in a pot is, in early spring, just when you find some new growth come through the soil, Lift the whole plant out, separate the roots, replant part back into the soil and some into a pot. (In my garden, once lifted, the roots almost fall apart) maybe give it a good watering first IF you have sandy soil, that way the roots will have a drink and maybe plump up a bit more, absolutely soak the soil around the plants root area (I've no evidence to say the plant roots will plump up) I'm just trying to let you know how I would go about it for the best chance of recovery.
IF you know there is a good chance that you will cause damage to the plant OR any plant when tidying up a border or thinning out neighbouring plants, it's always a good idea to place shortish garden canes, about 3 -4 would make a good marker, then tie soft garden twine around the canes to form a little barrier and label, that will help you be more noticeable of the plants that are still partly underground when you do work around them, I have to do this mostly with bulbs as like you say, your so enthusiastic about getting a job done then weeks or months later you cant see the bulbs or plants you have patiently awaited. IT might sound a bit of a boring job but it saves the plants and saves you having to replace them every year.
Good luck, hope things work out for you and you get a nice filled pot, just make sure it likes the spot and soil though.
Best Regards.
WeeNel.

Such good information. I love it! Thanks WeeNel!

weedsfree,
I have several plants of Dicentra spectabilis growing on the north side of my house and another on the north side of my garage along with Hostas. They do great in both places.

If they don't dry out, they will not go dormant and lose foliage after blooming. Since they tend to spread their branches, I usually trim hem back a few weeks aftern blooming.

When I first planted them years ago, I thought I lost them---until I read about their dormant period during the summer.

Mine bloom mid-June in my zone 4, shown below