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Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ (Bleeding Heart)

Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart', Dutchman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Chinaman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Locks and Keys 'Gold Heart', Lyre Flower 'Gold Heart', Seal Flower 'Gold Heart', Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

Dicentra Spectabilis 'Gold Heart',Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart', Dutchman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Chinaman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Locks and Keys 'Gold Heart', Lyre Flower 'Gold Heart', Seal Flower 'Gold Heart', Lamprocapnos Spectabilis 'Gold Heart', Shade perennial
Dicentra Spectabilis 'Gold Heart',Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart', Dutchman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Chinaman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Locks and Keys 'Gold Heart', Lyre Flower 'Gold Heart', Seal Flower 'Gold Heart', Lamprocapnos Spectabilis 'Gold Heart', Shade perennial
Dicentra Spectabilis 'Gold Heart',Bleeding Heart 'Gold Heart', Dutchman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Chinaman's Breeches 'Gold Heart', Locks and Keys 'Gold Heart', Lyre Flower 'Gold Heart', Seal Flower 'Gold Heart', Lamprocapnos Spectabilis 'Gold Heart', Shade perennial

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 gardensshaded 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Dicentra
Common names Locks and Keys, Bleeding Heart, Dutchman's Breeches
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dicentra ‘Stuart Boothman’ (Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra ‘Fire Island’ (Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra formosa ‘Ivory Hearts’ (Pacific Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra formosa (Pacific Bleeding Heart)
Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn)

Recommended Companion Plants

Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)
Astilbe

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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How to Grow and Care for Bleeding Heart
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Dicentra
Common names Locks and Keys, Bleeding Heart, Dutchman's Breeches
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Not sure which Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) to pick?
Compare Now

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