Gold Leaf Bleeding Heart

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

Gold Leaf Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Leaf') is a luminous woodland perennial admired for strings of soft pink, heart shaped flowers in spring and for its vibrant golden chartreuse foliage that lights up shade through the growing season. Finely cut leaves form an elegant mound beneath arching bloom stems, bringing refined texture and high visibility color to shaded borders, woodland edges, and courtyard plantings.

Distinctive Features

Graceful sprays of pastel pink hearts with white tips rise above ferny, gold toned foliage in a fountain like habit for several weeks in cool spring weather. As temperatures warm, foliage often softens to chartreuse and may partly go summer dormant in heat, a natural rhythm 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 holds 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 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 once 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 Leaf Bleeding Heart?

• Golden Foliage: Bright chartreuse leaves illuminate shaded spaces.
• 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 Leaf' pairs glowing foliage with elegant flowers for a striking, low maintenance accent in shaded sites, delivering heirloom charm and high visibility color from spring into early summer.