Product Details
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' is a classic beauty with one marvelous variation on the original: It has metallic gold leaves and peach-colored stems instead of the usual green. Bloom starts here in early May and lasts several weeks, subsiding with the arrival of summer heat. The old-fashioned Bleeding Heart has been a garden favorite for years. It's a substantial plant that bears long, arching racemes of pink flowers. Plants often go dormant in midsummer (interplant with Ferns and Hostas to fill the breach). Long-lived, reliable, and will self sow.
The genus Lamprocapnos contains only one species, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly classified as Dicentra spectabilis. The plant is commonly known as Bleeding Heart for its distinctive heart-shaped flowers and is native to Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Lamprocapnos prefers evenly moist soil and little or no direct sun. All other species of Dicentra remain classified as such.
For more information on growing Lamprocapnos, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Never grew 
Susan Symcak from Chicago Illinois USA
Gorgeous 
Linda from Scranton, PA
Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: lam-pro-kap' nos
These delicate-looking plants are actually sturdy and trouble-free additions to the perennial border or woodland garden. An old-fashioned beauty, Lamprocapnos spectabilis bears arching stems of pendant, puffy heart-shaped blooms in pink or white and can grow to three feet tall and as wide where happy.
Planting: Potted Lamprocapnos should be planted with the crown at soil level. Bareroot should be planted with the crown 2″ below the soil line.
Light/Watering: Bleeding Heart thrives in partial to full shade, although flowering is best with morning sun and afternoon shade. L. spectabilis will go dormant during dry conditions in summer. Consistent watering is preferred.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: These plants are at their best in evenly moist, rich soil in partial to full shade. A two-inch layer of mulch will help buffer soil moisture and keep the ground cooler. A slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5) is ideal, but plants will tolerate a pH up to 7.5. Apply compost or a general purpose, granular fertilizer in spring.
Pests/Diseases: Lamprocapnos is occasionally bothered by slugs and snails, but this is rarely a serious problem. If grown in poorly drained, wet soil, the crowns of the plants may rot. Avoid these soils and allow good air circulation. Keep mulch several inches away from the base of the plants.
Companions: Lamprocapnos is lovely with other denizens of light shade such as Aquilegia, Ferns, Tiarella, Campanula, Alchemilla, Phlox divaricata, and Pulmonaria, and truly enlivens woodland gardens. Plant L. spectabilis with Hosta or spreading perennial Geraniums, or fill in with annuals when this plant goes dormant in summer.
Dividing/Transplanting: If desired, plants can be gingerly divided in early spring; gently separate the brittle roots, replanting vigorous pieces from the outer edge of the plant.
End-of-Season Care: Remove dead foliage after a killing frost in autumn, or anytime it becomes unattractive. A light mulch after the ground freezes will protect from winter heaving.
Calendar of Care
Early Spring: Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost and organic amendments when new growth appears. Water well if it is unseasonably dry, as plants prefer evenly moist soil. Divide or transplant if needed as soon as you see new growth.
Mid-Spring: Watch for snail or slug damage and treat accordingly with baits or by handpicking. Apply a two-inch organic mulch as soon as soil warms, keeping the material away from the crowns of the plants.
Late Spring: Water regularly if the season is dry.
Summer: Plant summer annuals to fill in gaps where L. spectabilis has gone dormant. Groom plants to keep them attractive by removing yellowing leaves and old flower stems.
Fall: Cut foliage back to soil level, and apply a winter mulch after the ground freezes.
