Alba Bleeding Heart

Alba Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba', once sold as Dicentra) is a herbaceous perennial that hangs strings of pure white, heart shaped flowers from long, arching stems above ferny green foliage. It grows 50cm to 1m tall and wide and loves a moist, shady spot sheltered from wind. It is completely frost hardy and happiest in cooler gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Pure white hearts. The flowers are white rather than the usual red, and they hang along the stems like tiny lanterns.
• Ferny foliage. The soft green leaves are attractive in their own right and set off the flowers.
• Made for shade. It thrives in dappled shade, where many flowering perennials will not bloom.
• Frost hardy. Cold winters do it no harm, and it comes back reliably in cool climates.
• A cottage garden favourite. Its other common name, lady in the bath, comes from the shape of the flower.

Where it works best

Shady borders. Plant 60cm apart, in drifts of three or five. The arching stems fill out quickly in spring, and ferns, hostas and hellebores make good neighbours.

Cottage gardens. It adds a delicate, old fashioned note among perennials, especially beside woodland plants that share its taste for shade.

Pots. In a large container of quality potting mix on a shaded patio it provides spring colour at close range.

Growing Alba Bleeding Heart in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade, protected from strong winds. The sunnier the position, the more water it will need. It does best in cool temperate gardens and in shaded spots in warm temperate ones. In warm summers, expect it to die back after flowering and shoot again the next season.

Soil. Neutral or alkaline soil suits it. It will put up with poorly drained ground, though moist soil that drains is ideal. The best planting time is winter to spring.

Water and feed. Water regularly until established and keep it up in dry spells. Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool in summer. Apply a liquid fertiliser regularly for prolific flowers and plant health.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers to tidy the plant. When the foliage yellows and dies down, cut the stems to the ground.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alba Bleeding Heart as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in shade. Expect a small clump of ferny leaves at first. It builds toward its full size and flowering over the following seasons.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Frost hardy plants
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Shade gardening in Australia: what to plant where

Common questions

Will it grow in a warm climate?

It prefers cool conditions. In warmer districts choose a shaded, sheltered spot and expect it to die back after flowering, then return the next year.

Why has it died back?

That is normal for a herbaceous perennial. The stems and leaves yellow after flowering or in summer heat, then new growth appears when the weather cools.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Treat bleeding heart as toxic if eaten, and keep it away from pets and children.