Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ (Bleeding Heart)

Noted for its brilliant gold leaves and peach-colored stems, Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ (Bleeding Heart) is a graceful perennial that is fabulous to brighten a shady border. In late spring, it bears elegant, arching wands of heart-shaped rose-pink flowers with protruding white petals which dangle above the foliage. Blooming for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer, it tends to decline or even disappear in mid-summer. However, if it is kept well-watered during the spring, dormancy may be delayed until late summer or early fall. Great for shaded borders or woodland gardens, plant it among other perennials such as hosta, astilbe, pulmonaria, or ferns to fill in the space left by its foliage when going dormant.

• Grows in a clump, up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in part shade and is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, neutral or slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soils. 
• Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, shaded borders or woodland gardens. Plant it among other perennials such as hosta, astilbe, pulmonaria, or ferns to fill in the space left by its foliage when going dormant. 
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by sowing seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Divide in early spring or autumn. Take root cuttings in winter.
• If ingested, all parts may cause stomach upset, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Bleeding Heart plants are not only toxic to humans but to animals as well. Although aesthetically pleasing, this plant contains soquinoline alkaloids. Alkaloids negatively affect animals, most commonly cattle, sheep, and dogs.
• Dicentra spectabilis species is native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan.