About
Dicentra peregrina var. pusilla 'Alba' is a white-flowered form of the compact, high-mountain Komakusa, producing the characteristic finely divided foliage and pendent, pure-white, heart-shaped flowers of the species. A charming and delicate alpine for a cool, moist, very well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Dicentra, the bleeding hearts, are rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with attractively divided or fern-like leaves and pendent, heart-shaped or pouched flowers, usually in pink, white, red or yellow, in arching panicles or racemes in spring and early summer. Excellent woodland and shade-tolerant garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toSouth Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Can be grown in a container; water in dry periods
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or in early spring or propagate by taking softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free