Dicentra 'Alba'

Dicentra 'Alba': A Whisper of White in the Woodland Garden

Elegant and ethereal, Dicentra 'Alba'—the white-flowering form of the classic Bleeding Heart—casts a luminous glow across the shaded garden. Delicate, heart-shaped blossoms dangle like pearls from gracefully arching stems, their pure white petals highlighted by soft green, fern-like foliage. Blooming in mid to late spring, this perennial brings serenity and grace to woodland borders and shade gardens. Its quiet beauty lingers in memory long after the last petal has fallen.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a soft, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Pure white, heart-shaped blooms with greenish tips
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Finely divided, medium green leaves; foliage may go dormant in summer
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; dislikes drought and compacted soil

Uses and Benefits: Dicentra 'Alba' is ideal for shaded garden beds, woodland paths, and underplantings of shrubs and trees. Its refined habit and soft colour palette lend a calming presence to spring borders. As the foliage often goes dormant in summer, it pairs beautifully with later-emerging companions that fill the gap. Pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant, it’s a valuable addition to low-maintenance, shade-loving plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Dicentra 'Alba' with Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', whose oversized, heart-shaped silver leaves and pale blue spring flowers echo the gentle romance of the dicentra blooms. Add Hosta 'First Frost' for its variegated blue and gold foliage that emerges as the bleeding heart fades. Complete the composition with Tiarella 'Spring Symphony', whose delicate white flower spikes and deeply cut foliage extend seasonal interest in a woodland tapestry.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots. Water regularly in dry spells, particularly in spring. After flowering, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Combine with summer-fillers to mask its seasonal dormancy. Avoid frequent division; the plant prefers to remain undisturbed once established.

History: Dicentra 'Alba' is a naturally occurring white variant of Dicentra spectabilis, first cultivated in the 19th century and treasured ever since for its soft beauty and woodland poise. Though now sometimes classified under the genus Lamprocapnos, it remains a cherished symbol of garden nostalgia, romance, and seasonal grace. Its luminous blooms and graceful form offer a gentler take on a time-honoured classic.

Final Thoughts: Refined and radiant, Dicentra 'Alba' brings quiet drama and purity to the spring shade garden. When woven among the shimmering leaves of Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', the architectural contrast of Hosta 'First Frost', and the airy charm of Tiarella 'Spring Symphony', it creates a layered, textural planting full of elegance and seasonal rhythm. A true woodland treasure for gardeners who value subtle beauty and natural harmony.