White Gold Bleeding Heart

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

White Gold Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'White Gold') is a luminous woodland perennial prized for strings of pure white, heart shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems in spring and for its vibrant golden chartreuse foliage that brightens shade all season. Finely cut leaves form an elegant mound that brings high visibility color and refined texture to shaded borders, woodland edges, and cottage style gardens.

Distinctive Features

Graceful sprays of snow white hearts with tiny teardrop tips bloom for several weeks in cool spring weather, floating above fern textured, gold toned foliage in a fountain like habit; the foliage often softens to chartreuse as temperatures rise and may partially go summer dormant in heat, a natural rhythm that pairs well with later emerging companions.

Growing Conditions

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

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: White blossoms over golden foliage create a glowing centerpiece in shade.
• Woodland Gardens: Pairs beautifully with hosta, brunnera, heuchera, and ferns.
• Shaded Borders: Soft texture bridges early bulbs and summer perennials.
• Cottage Gardens: Heirloom charm with vivid foliage contrast.
• Entry and Courtyard Beds: High visibility tones brighten low light areas.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly in spring; 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 White Gold Bleeding Heart?

• Pure White Blooms: Bright, clean flowers illuminate shaded spaces.
• Golden Foliage: Chartreuse leaves provide season long color and contrast.
• Graceful Habit: Arching stems and ferny leaves add refined texture.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives where sun loving perennials struggle.
• Easy Care: Reliable spring spectacle with simple seasonal cleanup.

Dicentra spectabilis 'White Gold' combines luminous white bloom with glowing foliage for a striking, low maintenance accent in shaded borders, woodland plantings, and cottage style designs.