Perennials

Bleeding Heart 'Alba'

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart 'Alba': 75 cm high and 90 cm spread, partial to full shade. White flowers in May-June. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Partial shade to shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common nameBleeding Heart 'Alba'
FamilyPapaveraceae
GenusBleeding heart
Speciesremarkable
CultivarAlba
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBleeding Heart

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’, known in the garden as Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’, combines white-toned flowers with a volume that is easy to place in a composition. The foliage has shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is May-June. Its size of 75 cm by 90 cm reserves it a place in a semi-shaded bed and woodland garden, without forgetting the space of its neighbors. The heart-shaped leaves reinforce the design of the clump.

To plant Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’, look for the following exposure: partial shade to shade and suitable soil (kept moist, Clayey). For Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain fresh. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust the water supply to the rain; this exposure (partial shade to shade) does not eliminate the need for water. A margin corresponding to its spread of 90 cm avoids having to move the clump in the first seasons. The indicated hardiness level is zone 3, to be appreciated according to the conditions of your garden.

Throughout the seasons, Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’ benefits from timely care: let the foliage yellow naturally and locate the stump so as not to damage it during its dormant period. Some bleeding hearts go dormant during the summer; the disappearance of leaves does not justify saturating the soil. For associations, consider hostas, tiarella, lungworts in varieties with similar needs. The flowering (May-June) and the spread of 90 cm will serve as markers to distribute other plants around this plant.

Cœur saignant ‘Alba’ — Dicentra spectabilis

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 35.4 inches
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish before the deep cold sets in.
Growing method
Bleeding heart ‘Alba’: In spring after the thaw or in early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold sets in. For Bleeding heart ‘Alba’, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water the base when the surface begins to dry out and adjust the watering according to rainfall; this exposure (partial to full shade) does not eliminate the plant's water needs. Some bleeding hearts go dormant in summer; the disappearance of leaves does not justify saturating the soil.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

For 'Alba' bleeding heart, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry out, and adjust the amount of water according to rainfall; this exposure (partial to full shade) does not eliminate the need for water.

Soil type

Kept moist, Clayey

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Regular freshness during growth

Seasonal care

Bleeding heart 'Alba': allow the foliage to yellow naturally and mark the crown so as not to damage it during its dormant period. During its flowering period (May-June), also monitor damaged stems and neighboring plants that could obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To grow 'Alba' bleeding heart in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (90 cm). The substrate should remain moist; it will dry out faster than in the ground. Protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Cœur saignant ‘Alba’ — Dicentra spectabilis

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

30 inches (76 cm)

Width / spread

35 inches (89 cm)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Null and void

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

May-June
Cœur saignant ‘Alba’ — Dicentra spectabilis

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’: hostas, tiarella, lungwort. Choose varieties that tolerate partial to full shade and comparable humidity; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around 'Alba' bleeding heart, especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Light, water, and spread compatibility take precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’?
Expect partial to full shade and suitable soil (kept moist, Clayey). Some bleeding hearts go dormant in summer; the disappearance of leaves does not justify saturating the soil.
What space should I give to 'Alba' Bleeding Heart?
Expect a height of about 75 cm and a width of 90 cm at maturity. Approximately 90 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in semi-shaded beds and woodland gardens.
When does Bleeding Heart 'Alba' bloom?
The indicated period is May-June. The flower color palette is white. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Bleeding Heart 'Alba'?
For ‘Alba’ bleeding heart, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust the amount of water according to rainfall; this exposure (partial to full shade) does not eliminate its water needs. Let the foliage yellow naturally and mark the rootstock so as not to damage it during its dormant period.
Can bleeding heart ‘Alba’ be grown in a pot?
To try ‘Alba’ bleeding heart in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes that is appropriate for the root ball and its future size (90 cm). The substrate should remain moist; it will dry out more quickly than if planted in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.