Dicentra formosa 'Alba' (White Bleeding Heart) — perennial

Overview

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Dicentra, part of the Q144723 family. Dicentra formosa 'Alba' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Pacific Northwest of North America.

About

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' is a perennial with fern-like leaves and pendant white, heart-shaped flowers. It favours shaded, cool sites and blooms from April to June. Originating from the Pacific Northwest of North America, it is rated H5 (hardy). Plant it where its delicate flower clusters can be seen close to eye level.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra formosa

About the genus

Dicentra, known collectively as the bleeding-hearts, is a genus containing eight species of herbaceous flowering perennial plants with unique, "heart"-shaped flowers and finely divided foliage. The species are, primarily, native to North America, although several are found in temperate East Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dicentra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dicentra

In the garden

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' is a perennial from the Pacific Northwest of North America, recognised for ferny foliage topped by pendant white, heart-shaped blooms. It flowers in spring, appearing reliably between April and June, and provides late-spring interest in shadier parts of the garden. Position it in partial shade or full shade where soils remain moist; avoid hot, exposed sunny sites. Choose a rich, loamy, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH and good humus content. Keep soil consistently moist rather than allowing it to dry out, as this species prefers damp, humus-rich ground. The plant is rated H5 (hardy) and suits shaded borders, woodland gardens and shady mixed beds. Use it at the front of a woodland border or beside a path where the pendant flowers can be appreciated at close range. Given its preference for cool, moist shade, consider mulching to conserve moisture and encourage steady flowering through April to June.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dicentra

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: well-drained, rich, loamy
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: shade garden, woodland garden, borders
Native to: Pacific Northwest of North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dicentra formosa 'Alba'

Cultivation: Prefers cool, moist conditions with partial to full shade. Avoid hot, dry sites. Mulch to retain moisture.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering or when it yellows in summer.
Propagation: Division in early spring or after flowering; seed propagation is possible but slow.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dicentra formosa 'Alba'?

Prefers cool, moist conditions with partial to full shade. Avoid hot, dry sites. Mulch to retain moisture.

Where is the best place to plant Dicentra formosa 'Alba'?

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' prefers partial shade and shade.

What soil does Dicentra formosa 'Alba' need?

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, rich and loamy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Dicentra formosa 'Alba'?

Cut back foliage after flowering or when it yellows in summer.

Is Dicentra formosa 'Alba' hardy in the UK?

Dicentra formosa 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Dicentra formosa 'Alba'?

Division in early spring or after flowering; seed propagation is possible but slow.

More in the Dicentra genus

Browse all Dicentra →