Dutchman's Breeches

Dutchman's Breeches For Sale

The Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is a charming herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America. Its leaves are featherlike and reminiscent of ferns, and they form compact clusters in the shape of a tiny 6—to 12-inch-tall bush. This Dutchman's breeches plant blooms around mid- to late spring before the deciduous overstory leaves have filled in. The leaves form a delicately arching raceme, and the pendant-like flowers hang upside down in a dense line.

While this plant prefers moist, humus-rich, fertile soils, it can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. It will not do well in dry soil, so make sure to plant it in a consistently moist, well-

Dutchman's Breeches Plant Details

Family: Fumariaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Light Requirement: Partial to full shade

Water Needs: moderate to moist

Height: 6 to 12 in

Spread: 6 to 8 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: April–May

Flower Color: White with yellow tips

Wildlife Value: Attractive to pollinators

As the Dutchman’s Breeches is an early bloomer, it provides a reliable nectar source for early emergent bees. In fact, bumblebees are the most effective pollinator for this plant as they can sufficiently open the inner and outer parts of the flower for pollination, and these adorable flowers have adapted to be dependent on bumblebees for their reproduction.

Once the seeds have ripened in late spring, the plant dies back and the root system stays dormant throughout the summer. While these plants are relatively ephemeral, their short-lived presence in the garden (or natural environment) is a heart-warming reminder that spring is here and warm weather is coming!

Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

While it is tolerant of full shade, the lack of light will impact flower production. Preferably, plant this herbaceous perennial in partial shade with dappled light. Dutchman's breeches are an attractive addition to a woodland garden and make a charming ornament to the base of established trees for an extra pop of fluffy green foliage on the barked trunk.

This plant will spread and can cover a fair amount of area over a few years. It makes a great ground cover, underplanting for shrubs, and woodland gardens. It can be propagated through plant division. Be wary, as slugs will take advantage of the tender leaves of this plant; however, once established, it is rabbit-resistant and predominantly disease-free.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dutchman's Breeches are attractive to bumblebees, have adorable pant-shaped flowers, and are low-maintenance. Plant these charmingly delicate flowers in the shady area of a pollinator garden to attract bees and butterflies to your yard. Shop for Dutchman’s Breeches online at TN Nursery.