form, is often less vigorous than the
pink forms. ‘Zestful’ seems a bit more
reliable than ‘Luxuriant’, but it doesn’t
flower as long.
Lamprocapnos spectabilis (syn.
Dicentra spectabilis), known as common
bleeding heart, is an old-fashioned
beauty that dies down after flowering.
Foliage is more persistent if provided
with consistent moisture and cool
conditions, possibly holding into late
summer in northern gardens. But
normally dieback occurs in late spring
or early summer, particularly if plants
are allowed to dry out and if summer
heat persists. Cut to the ground when
foliage looks shabby. May self-sow
readily, depending on the climate.
Divide in late summer or early autumn
when the foliage has died down. ‘Gold
Heart’ has beautiful golden foliage, but
protect it from early spring frosts.Dictamnus albus
gas plant
r utaceae
Pink or white flower spikes; compound
leaves
2–4 ft. high; 3 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms May–June
Zones 3–9
pruning Flowers are self-cleaning. It
is best to leave the seedheads, which
form interesting star shapes, to add
interest in the garden through the
summer and often into winter. Cut
plants down in the spring. If any
pruning is done when the plants are
not dormant, care should be taken
because the flowers and foliage can
cause a dermatital reaction (skin
irritation) in some individuals.
other maintenance Long-lived,
tough plant that requires little care.
Plant in fertile, humus-rich, preferably
alkaline soil that does not get soggy, in
sun or light shade. Plants take some
time (2–3 years) to become established
and are very slow growing. Usually no
staking is required. Division generally
is not needed or recommended, as
success rate is low.
Digitalis grandiflora
yellow foxglove
plantaginaceaeLight yellow flower spikes; green leaves
2–3 ft. high; 1 1/4–1 1/2 ft. wide
Full sun, part shade, or heavy shade
Blooms June–July
Zones 3–8
pruning Benefits from 2 types of
pruning to look its best. First dead-
head to lateral buds. Then, as new
basal foliage starts to develop and
when all secondary flowering is
finished, plants should be cut back to
the basal foliage. Plants sometimes
will rebloom, though usually the
blooms are smaller and fewer than
those of the initial flowering. Plants
may seed under favorable conditions.
Basal foliage looks good into the
winter; cut back any dead leaves in
early spring if needed. Pinching plants
ruins the natural habit by removing
the large terminal flower. Smaller
lateral flowering stems will still
develop on pruned plants.
other maintenance Easy-to-
grow perennial foxglove. Long-lived.
Does not require division for 5 or moreDictamnus albus