Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

– Hummingbird-friendly; pink flowers are a favorite nectar source.

– Not attractive to deer or rabbits, due to toxic foliage.

– Beneficial for pollinator-friendly shade gardens.

– Blooms in spring, typically May to June.

– Foliage goes dormant in summer, especially during heat or drought.

– Dormancy is natural; plant re-emerges the following spring.

Focal plant for shaded beds

Woodland gardens

Color contrast in borders

Mixed perennial plantings

– Golden-yellow, fern-like, finely divided foliage.

– Foliage emerges early in spring and glows in shaded spaces.

– Leaves gradually fade and die back by mid to late summer.

– Rosy-pink, heart-shaped flowers with white tips.

– Flowers dangle from graceful, arching stems above the foliage.

– Blooms in late spring to early summer, lasting several weeks.

– Plant in early spring or fall in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

– Select a site with partial to full shade, especially in warmer zones.

– Space plants 24–30 inches apart to accommodate mature size.

– Avoid dry or heavily compacted soils; amend with compost as needed.

– Minimal pruning required.

– Allow foliage to yellow and wither naturally after flowering.

– Cut back to the ground only once leaves are fully dormant.

– Requires consistently moist but not soggy soil.

– Water regularly during active growth, especially in spring.

– Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in summer.

– Thrives in partial shade; tolerates full shade.

– In cool northern climates, can tolerate some morning sun.

– Too much direct sun may scorch the golden foliage.

– Flowers are suitable for cutting.

– Harvest when flowers are fully open; place in cool water.

– Leaves and stems are delicate—handle carefully for arrangements.

– Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring.

– Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which may promote leaf growth over flowers.

– Mulch annually to conserve moisture and enrich soil.

– Attracts hummingbirds and bees with its nectar-rich, pendulous flowers.

– Primarily pollinated by long-tongued insects and hummingbirds.

– May set seed if not deadheaded, though self-seeding is uncommon.

– Excellent paired with Hosta, Ferns, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, and Heuchera.

– Complements Astilbe and Trillium in woodland or shade borders.

– Companion plants should fill in after summer when Dicentra may go dormant.