Dicentra spectabilis Alba

Description

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ – white bleeding heart

Botanical name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ (syn. Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’)
Common names: Bleeding heart
Family: Papaveraceae (poppy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, with arching stems
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 75–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Soft, divided, fresh green foliage; deciduous, dying back after flowering
Flowers: Long, arching stems hung with rows of dangling, pure white heart-shaped lockets in late spring to early summer (April–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade (tolerates some morning sun in moist soil)
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich; dislikes drying out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Sheltered; protect from cold winds
Native range: Garden form; native to Asia or North America depending on type
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; harmful if eaten, and the sap may cause skin irritation; handle with care and wear gloves

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ is the classic white bleeding heart, its arching stems hung with rows of pure white dangling hearts in late spring. Elegant and enchanting for moist, shady borders and woodland gardens.

GardenAdvice notes

A beautiful and much-loved perennial for shade, bleeding heart (Dicentra) is grown for its delicate, heart-shaped or locket-like flowers, which dangle in graceful rows from arching stems above pretty, ferny foliage. It is a classic plant for a moist, partly shaded border or woodland garden, bringing charm and elegance to cool, shady spots in spring and early summer.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, sheltered from cold, drying winds. Work in plenty of leaf mould. Ideal in a spring border or woodland garden. Space appropriately for size. Keep moist.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance in moist shade. Keep the soil from drying out. After flowering the whole plant naturally dies back and goes dormant for summer, so mark its position to avoid disturbing it, and plant later-emerging neighbours nearby to fill the gap. Cut back old growth in autumn. Mulch with leaf mould. Divide congested clumps carefully in early spring or after flowering.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide carefully in early spring or after flowering; the brittle roots need gentle handling.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist shade. Its main dislikes are drought and hot sun, which scorch the foliage. Slugs and snails may graze new growth. Otherwise easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb in moist, shady and woodland borders, and with ferns, hostas and other shade plants, where its dangling heart-shaped flowers and ferny foliage bring elegance and charm to cool, shady spots.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers are attractive to bees, especially long-tongued bumblebees, which are drawn to the dangling blooms.

Toxicity & safety

Bleeding heart has a low level of toxicity: it is harmful if eaten, and the sap may cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling and keep it away from children and pets who might chew it.

GardenAdvice tip

The white bleeding heart is one of the most enchanting of all spring perennials — long arching stems strung with rows of pure white dangling lockets, glowing in a shady spot. Do remember it’s summer-dormant: after flowering the whole plant dies back and disappears, so mark its position and plant later perennials or ferns nearby to fill the gap. Keep it moist and sheltered from cold winds.

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