WHAT: Goldleaf bleeding heart, also known as dicentra spectabilis Gold Heart, features acid-yellow foliage with pink and white heart-shaped flowers appearing along arching stems in April and May.
If you are
against pink and yellow combos, you will not like this plant. If you are a provocateur, then it is right up your alley.
WHY PLANT IT: Bleeding hearts have long been used in the woodland garden and, though they are common, they are worthwhile, durable, long-lived plants.
WHERE: Gold Heart grows best in bright shade and will burn in full sun.
Soil enriched with compost or other organic matter will provide the best results.
This plant will grow equally well in sandy or clay soils with average moisture. It tolerates summer drought, but usually responds by becoming dormant until spring.
Combine this plant with the navy blue flowers of pulmonaria Benediction or a white drift of anemone nemorosa Vestal and the evergreen fern polystichum polyblepharum, all planted at the ankles of a lavender-blue rhododendron for a perfect spring picture.
HOW: To make more plants, divide clumps when they are dormant.
Gold Heart is best to cut to the ground by late July when it loses its luster. It will emerge again the following spring.
ACTUAL SIZE: This clumping perennial grows to about 2 feet high and wide.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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