Dutchmas Breeches

Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) 

"Dutchman's Breeches" is a common name for a wildflower plant known scientifically as Dicentra cucullaria. It is also commonly known as "Dutchman's Breeches," "Little Blue Staggers," or "White Hearts."

This plant is native to eastern North America and is typically found in rich, moist woods and along streams. It is a small plant, growing up to 12 inches tall, with delicate, fern-like leaves and small, white, and pinkish flowers that resemble pantaloons or breeches.
Dicentra cucullaria blooms in early spring, typically from March to April, and attracts early pollinators such as bees and flies. It is a perennial plant that lives for over two years and reproduces by seed and rhizomes.

The plant has medicinal uses, including treating respiratory problems and heart ailments, although it is not commonly used in modern medicine. It is also used in traditional Native American medicine. This plant contains toxic compounds and should not be consumed without proper preparation and guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Dutchman's Breeches: Dicentra cucullaria is a perennial wildflower. This North American native species prefers the cooler USDA growing zones from New England to the Great Lakes and midwestern regions.

Dicentra cucullaria takes its unique common name from the tiny white flower, which resembles a pair of traditional Dutch pantaloons hanging on a clothesline.

These plants are a cottage classic, beloved by many gardeners for their casual good looks and charming flowers. 

Dutchman's Breeches Will Tolerate Shade

Dutchman's breeches love filtered sun or partial shade. They will tolerate shade, but they will not bloom as profusely. They prefer loosened, fertile soil and about an inch of water each week. However, they do not like standing water, so ensure the planting site provides adequate drainage.

Dutchman's Breeches are lovely planted in these locations: 

• Rock garden
• Shade garden
• Mass planting
• Flower bed
• Fairy Garden
• Cottage garden 

This plant is good-natured and will perform well if you select a good spot to plant it. They are rabbit-resistant and deer-resistant--always a bonus. 

The leaves of Dicentra cucullaria are soft, showy, and silvery green. Each leaf can reach six inches long and has a fern-like appearance.

The plant's stems are brown or rust, forming a lovely arch as the flowers develop and add weight.

The flowers cultivated by TN Nursery are white and often have a hint of blush pink to accentuate their loveliness. They have two petals, each forming a "pants leg" of the Breeches. The pink variety of this plant carries the common name bleeding heart, as some think the flowers look like delicate hearts dangling from the stems.

Order Your Dutchman's Breeches From TN Nursery Today 

TN Nursery suggests Dutchman's Breeches for gardeners who want a charmingly rustic flower with luscious greenery. Order your plants from us today--we dig our bare-root plants fresh to ensure plant health.