Pretty, but tough!

These are the flowers of Lamprocapnos spectabilis a rhizomatous perennial plant that lives naturally in Asia, from Siberia south to Japan. Widely grown as a garden plant it is commonly known as the bleeding-heart, Venus's car, Lady in a bath, Dutchman's trousers, or Lyre-flower.

Despite being so attractive the plant contains alkaloids and is poisonous if eaten and some people will come out in a nasty rash on contact.

The bleeding heart is a tough little critter and despite its tender appearance it has survived our worst winter for years, whilst allegedly hardy shrubs have died in droves.