Perennials
Unique, whimsical springtime blooms
Low maintenance and deer-resistant
Great for shaded garden areas
Thrives in
ZONE 3ZONE 4ZONE 5ZONE 6ZONE 7Planting Season:
Year-RoundDutchman's Breeches is a spring wildflower with distinctive gray-green, finely divided leaves and unique, drooping clusters of white, pantaloon-shaped flowers resembling miniature hanging pants. It is a captivating and delicate spring ephemeral plant that offers several benefits when incorporated into the landscaping. Native to North America, it is a member of the poppy family and can be found growing in rich, moist woodlands, making it an ideal addition to woodland-themed gardens or naturalized landscapes.
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Blooms March-April
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), also known as "Little Blue Staggers," is a white woodland flower that blooms from March to April. This spring ephemeral is also a perennial native to eastern North America. It also grows naturally in the Pacific Northwest.
Dicentra cucullaria is often found in the eastern and Pacific Northwestern woodlands of the United States. The flower grows naturally in the wild on forest floors under dappled sunlight, on moist rocky slopes, and along stream banks. After their blooming cycle ends, the flowers go dormant, and their leaves and stems fall to the ground to make way for summer flowers.
Dutchman's Breeches Appearance
Dutchman's Breeches range from 6" to 12" tall and bloom for about two weeks. Their creamy white or pinkish flowers resemble pairs of old-fashioned Dutch pantaloons hanging upside-down from a clothesline. Each blossom's outer petals form a puffy 'V' shape that converges in a yellow-tipped base. The plant's feathery compound leaves look like fern fronds, changing color from gray-green to pale yellow before disappearing for the rest of the year.
Dutchman's Breeches Is Stunning In Landscapes
Little Blue Staggers makes an attractive addition to many landscapes. The plant is especially well-suited to wildflower and woodland gardens and works well in areas shaded by mature trees. Its beautiful flowers, with their delicate and cheeky blossoms, will surely draw attention to your spring greenery.
They should be planted in the fall. They grow from bulb-like underground plant structures called corms, which can multiply underground. Mature corms can be divided and transplanted to propagate new plants.
Dutchman's Breeches Are Loved By Pollinators
It offers nectar to bumblebees, cuckoo bees, and other bees that feed through the plant's perforations as they pollinate the flowers. Ants also help propagate the plant by carrying its seeds into new territory.
If you want to add beauty and a touch of humor to your garden, consider planting a few near your trees. These flowers are a sure way to welcome the first flush of spring.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Bloom Season
Spring
Bloom/Foliage Color
White
Height at Maturity
Over 12"
Care
Dutchman's Breeches thrive in well-drained, organic soil. Keep the soil always damp but not soggy. They benefit from occasional fertilization in early spring. Remove spent flowers to encourage neat growth. Allow foliage to die back naturally for best results.
Plant Reproduction
Dutchman's Breeches spread by dispersing their seeds, which ants often carry.
Planting bare-root perennials is best in any season if they are dormant; we only sell dormant plants. Planting them year-round is also excellent if you can get dormant perennials. When your bare-root perennials arrive, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Lant by digging a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough to place the top portion crown (where the roots meet the stem) at or slightly above ground level. Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots—water well after planting to settle the soil around the plant and eliminate air. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture locked in, keeping the mulch away from the crown. Irrigate plants regularly during the first few weeks of drought; never water in full sun, and water late in the evenings to ensure the roots are established well. Fertilize sparingly in the first year, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in subsequent years as needed.
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Natural Woodland Appeal:
With their delicate, arching stems and unique flower shape, Dutchman's Breeches evoke a natural, woodland charm. They blend seamlessly with other shade-loving plants and enhance the overall beauty of a naturalized garden setting.
Charming Floral Design:
Dutchman's Breeches showcase creamy white or pinkish flowers resembling old-fashioned Dutch pantaloons hanging upside-down. Their outer petals form a distinctive 'V' shape with yellow-tipped bases, adding a whimsical touch to any garden.
Ideal for Shaded Areas:
Perfect for wildflower and woodland gardens, Dutchman's Breeches thrive in shaded spots under mature trees, making them an excellent choice for adding beauty to low-light areas
Low-Maintenance Growth:
Grown from corms, which multiply underground, Dutchman's Breeches are easy to propagate by dividing mature corms. They require minimal maintenance once established, making them a hassle-free addition.
Caring Tips
How do I care for my Dutchman's Breeches?
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Dutchman's Breeches thrive in well-drained, organic soil. Keep the soil always damp but not soggy. They benefit from occasional fertilization in early spring. Remove spent flowers to encourage neat growth. Allow foliage to die back naturally for best results.
Light Requirements
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) thrive in dappled or partial shade. This woodland perennial prefers the filtered light of a forest understory, which mimics its natural habitat, providing excellent, indirect sunlight that supports its delicate foliage and unique blooms.
Hardy Planting Zones
3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7
Frequently Asked Questions
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