Belonging to the genus *Lamprocapnos* (formerly *Dicentra*), Bleeding Hearts are herbaceous perennial plants prized for their distinctive, heart-shaped flowers. The species *Lamprocapnos spectabilis* serves as the foundation for the cultivated varieties discussed. These plants share a common growth habit: forming graceful, arching clumps of soft, dissected foliage from which pendant floral racemes elegantly emerge in spring. They thrive in cool, moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland garden settings. While they share a genus and basic morphology, the cultivars 'Alba', 'Gold Heart', and 'Valentine' exhibit significant phenotypic variations that distinguish them from the standard type and from each other.
From a botanical perspective, 'Alba' is a cultivar defined by its lack of pigmentation in the floral structures. Unlike the common pink-and-white flower, 'Alba' produces pure white, heart-shaped corollas. The internal petal structures that typically appear as a droplet are also white, giving the entire inflorescence a pristine, luminous quality, especially noticeable in shady conditions. Its vegetative parts are identical to the standard species, featuring soft green, fern-like foliage that emerges in spring and dies back (goes dormant) in mid-summer, especially in warmer climates. This albino form performs the same ecological function as its pink counterpart, providing an early-season nectar source for pollinators like bumblebees, which are strong enough to navigate the unique flower structure.
The 'Gold Heart' variety is a striking horticultural selection primarily celebrated for its radical foliar mutation. Its most defining plant characteristic is its vibrant, golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage. This chloroplastic variation means the leaves contain less chlorophyll than the green types, which can sometimes make them slightly more sensitive to intense afternoon sun, risking leaf scorch. The flowers are the classic pink and white coloration, creating a dramatic and beautiful contrast against the bright yellow foliage. This combination significantly enhances its ornamental value throughout its growth cycle. From a growth standpoint, it possesses the same cultural requirements and dormancy patterns as other *Lamprocapnos spectabilis* cultivars.
'Valentine' is a cultivar selected for its profound floral pigmentation and robust structure. Botanically, its most significant feature is its deeply saturated, cherry-red to crimson flowers. The white inner "droplet" remains, creating a stark and dramatic two-tone effect that is more vivid than the traditional pink flower. The plant's foliage is a classic blue-green to grey-green colour, providing a neutral backdrop that further accentuates the brilliance of the blooms. The flower stems (peduncles and pedicels) are often noted as being stronger and a deeper red colour, which helps display the prolific flowers more prominently above the mound of foliage. This variety exhibits the same growth habits and environmental preferences as others in the species.
