Buy bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis Alba) Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba'

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba'

bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis Alba)

bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis Alba)

Arching sprays of dainty, pure white, heart-shaped flowers appear in late spring above fern-like, fresh green leaves. Easy to grow, this elegant dicentra is ideal for illuminating a woodland garden or as part of a cottage garden scheme, and as long as the ground is kept moist, 'Alba' will thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Lamprocapnos are northern hemisphere plants, growing from Asia to North America. In their natural habitat they are found in moist soils in the cool margins of woodlands. It is one of the earliest perennials into flower, but the foliage does start to die back after flowering, so it is best mixed amongst summer flowers, which can then maintain interest in the border.

How to care for Lamprocapnos spectabilis Alba:

Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, choosing a spot in partial shade where roots stay cool and sheltered from strong sun. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first growing season, to help it establish.

After flowering, remove faded stems to keep plants tidy, but allow foliage to die back naturally as it feeds the roots for next year’s growth. In autumn, apply a mulch of compost or leaf mould to protect crowns over winter.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.9m

Eventual spread:

0.45m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.