‘Ruby Gold’ bleeding heart is a plant that will steal your heart

Its yellow foliage has a golden-orange hue that projects summer warmth in spring.

All I can say is “Wow” when it comes to this new Bleeding Heart that is now available to gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. But first, a little background on Bleeding Hearts in general.

Bleeding Hearts are perennials that thrive in the shade and make great companions with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns and astilbes. There are several species that are found in cultivation, including our native Pacific bleeding heart, and on the other coast the Eastern bleeding heart, sometimes referred to as “Turkey Corn.” Both of these species are low growers with finely cut foliage that bloom in early spring and then often repeat bloom throughout the summer. ‘Luxuriant’ and ‘King of Hearts’ are two well-known cultivars that are readily available this time of year. Bleeding Hearts, as a whole, go summer dormant, so don’t panic when it looks like your plant is crapping out; it will come back twice as vigorous early next spring.

There is a rather obscure species of Bleeding Heart that is actually a vine and has clusters of small yellow flowers. The flowers (which bloom continuously in the summer) mimic the shape of Bleeding Hearts and will cover a small shrub in one season, after which it will die back to the ground like most all perennials. If you would like to see this vine, I have an established one at the nursery, in our display garden, planted for your viewing pleasure!

Finally, the variety of Bleeding Heart that is most loved by gardeners is the species ‘spectablis’, which native to Asia. Considering that we are all part of the “Pacific Rim,” it is quite at home in the Northwest. Known as ‘Common’ or ‘Old-Fashioned’ Bleeding Heart, it will form a 2-foot-high clump of powder-green foliage capped with chains of puffy heart-shaped flowers with rose-pink petals and white tips dangling beneath them like drops of liquid. Admittedly, the name “Bleeding Heart” may not conjure up a very positive image, but the flowers really are quite beguiling.

While the common ‘spectabilis’ comes in both a pale pink and all-white variety, breeders have developed selections that sport dark red flowers such as ‘Valentine,’ which will grow to 30 inches tall. But probably my most favorite variety (and I dare say probably one of my most favorite all-time perennials) is a yellow-leafed selection called ‘Gold Heart.’ I look forward to seeing this guy re-emerge every spring in my shade garden. And until a few weeks ago, I would never have dreamed that it could have been improved upon. But, believe it or not, it has — and that is where ‘Ruby Gold’ comes into the picture.

Like my all-time favorite, ‘Gold Heart,’ ‘Ruby Gold’ has yellow foliage — but it is so much better. The leaves are suffused with a golden-orange hue and the flowers are darker red with a touch of orange as well. Considering that we are typically surrounded by pastel colors this time of year, it is a delight to be able to feel the “summer warmth” produced by these “orange-ish” leaves and flowers. It is subtle, mind you, so if you are not an orange type of person, don’t panic.0 The foliage will fade to a soft golden-green in the early summer.

Bleeding Hearts in general are only available in early spring, and of course new and desirable ones never stick around long in the garden center. Look for displays this time of year in the shade departments of nurseries and grab a few while you can. Stay safe and keep on gardening.

Steve Smith represents Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville, and can be reached at sunnysidenursery@msn.com

Free classes

Sunnyside’s next free online classes will be “Japanese Maples: The Tree For All Seasons” at 10 a.m. April 9 and “Colorful Shrubs” at 11 a.m. April 10. For more information or to sign up, go to www.sunnysidenursery.net/classes.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.