Dicentra ‘Gold heart’

Dicentra ‘Gold Heart’  Part Sun – Shade.  I can’t imagine a garden without good old fashioned Bleeding Hearts. Gracefully arching stems with dangling white or pink flowers are a spring hallmark.  But why not notch up the excitement with ‘Gold Heart’?   It displays all of the same graceful characteristics of others in this group but it has screaming yellow foliage that reaches 24” tall and glows in shade. Some might call it gaudy with its bright pink flowers and yellow leaves; I say encore! After long cold winters ‘Gold Heart’ is a refreshing sight. Most spectabilis varieties start to die back and go dormant in mid-summer. The more sun they get, the faster the ‘adios’. Surprisingly, ‘Gold Heart’ usually remains unfazed by warmer weather. I give it a quick trim after flowering and it becomes a pretty backdrop to summer bloomers. As others in this early blooming group, it is hardy to zone 3.  This dazzling Bleeding Heart can be hard to get your garden gloves on but thankfully Faddegon’s Nursery in Latham (NY) is featuring them at their upscale nursery this month.  Located at 1140 Troy-Schenectady Road, they are an easy hop from the Northway (I-87).  And while you are there, check out their extensive line of perennials, unusual shrubs and trees, roses, garden supply store, houseplants, and gift boutique.  If you are like me, you will lose track of time with all of exciting inventory!  For more about this destination nursery, visit their web site at http://www.faddegons.com/ .