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, 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.
