Gold Heart Bleeding Heart

Gold Heart Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart')

Gold Heart Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart') is a luminous woodland perennial celebrated for strings of soft pink, heart shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems in spring and for its standout golden chartreuse foliage that brightens shade all season. The finely cut leaves form an elegant mound that anchors shaded borders, woodland edges, and courtyard plantings with warm color and refined texture.

Distinctive Features

Graceful sprays of pastel pink hearts with white tips rise over ferny, gold toned foliage in a fountain like habit for several weeks in cool spring weather; foliage often softens to chartreuse in summer and may go partially dormant in heat, a natural cycle that pairs well with later emerging shade companions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, humus amended soil that retains even moisture.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist in spring, never waterlogged.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 24 to 36 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring; foliage may wane in summer heat.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Golden foliage and pink hearts create a glowing spring centerpiece in shade.
• Woodland Gardens: Partners beautifully with hosta, brunnera, heuchera, and ferns.
• Shaded Borders: Soft texture bridges early bulbs and summer perennials.
• Cottage Gardens: Romantic heirloom presence with vivid foliage contrast.
• Courtyard and Entry Beds: Bright color reads well in low light spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during active growth; reduce as foliage naturally declines.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stems; cut foliage to the crown when it yellows.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in early spring; add a balanced fertilizer if soils are lean.
• Mulching: Maintain a light mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
• Division: Divide clumps in early spring or fall only when vigor declines.

Why Choose Gold Heart Bleeding Heart?

• Golden Foliage: Bright chartreuse leaves illuminate shade gardens.
• Romantic Blooms: Classic pink hearts provide graceful spring drama.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives where sun loving plants struggle.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Foliage is typically avoided by browsing wildlife.
• Easy Care Heirloom: Reliable spring show with minimal maintenance.

Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' pairs glowing foliage with elegant flowers for a striking, easy care accent in shaded sites, combining heirloom charm with high visibility color from spring into summer.