Product Description
Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (4) 1-gallons
a/k/a Bleeding Heart-Old-Fashioned
Zones 3 to 9.
Part shade to full shade.
Mature size 18-to-24-inch height, spreads 24 to 36 inches.
- Radiant yellow foliage in spring creates a brilliant focal point
- Pink and white heart-shaped flowers like the species contrast superbly with the yellow foliage
- Yellow foliage color mellows a bit as the season progresses
Radiant yellow foliage glows in spring, creating a brilliant focal point in the shade garden. Arching sprays of pink and white heart-shaped blooms, dangle from the stems in late spring. The foliage typically mellows a bit in color as the season progresses. This cultivar grows a bit smaller than the typical D. spectabilis, reaching heights of up to 2 feet at maturity.
After putting on a spring display, Old-Fashioned Bleeding Hearts usually go dormant until the following spring. However, if plants are kept well-watered during the spring, dormancy may be delayed until late summer or early fall.
Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' is a truly special bleeding-heart cultivar that adds a bright, sunny touch to shade gardens. It is admired for its vibrant golden foliage, which contrasts beautifully with its classic heart-shaped pink flowers. Here is a closer look at what makes it unique:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Gold Heart' features the same charming, heart-shaped flowers as the species, but with the added bonus of glowing golden foliage. The flowers are a delicate pink with white tips, dangling gracefully from arching stems in late spring to early summer.
- Foliage: The plant's most distinctive feature is its bright chartreuse to golden foliage. The leaves are deeply divided and fern-like, creating a beautiful texture in the garden. The foliage color remains vibrant throughout the growing season, adding a continuous splash of sunshine to shady spots.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, it prefers protection from the hot afternoon sun.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is not too fussy about soil pH but does best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: 'Gold Heart' is a standout addition to shade gardens, where its bright foliage illuminates dark corners.
- Woodland Gardens: It is also a great choice for woodland gardens, creating a beautiful contrast with the green backdrop.
- Borders: It can be used in mixed borders, but it is important to place it towards the front or middle, as it tends to go dormant in mid-summer after flowering.
- Containers: It is also well-suited for containers, adding a touch of sunshine to patios and balconies.
Additional Benefits:
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The foliage is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits.
- Low Maintenance: It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much care once established.
Things to Consider:
- Summer Dormancy: Like other bleeding hearts, 'Gold Heart' often goes dormant in mid-summer after flowering, especially in hot or dry conditions. It is a good idea to plant it among other perennials that will fill in the space when it dies back.
- Toxicity: The plant contains toxins that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested, so it is best to keep it away from children and pets.
Overall, Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' is a delightful and unique perennial that brightens up shade gardens with its vibrant golden foliage and charming pink flowers. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a favorite among gardeners.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants may be trimmed for shipping,
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
