Overview

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Lamprocapnos, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' is a clump-forming perennial in the poppy family that produces pendent, heart-shaped white flowers. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in partial shade on moist, neutral loam. Plant in a sheltered, north-, east- or west-facing spot and expect blooms in the UK from April to June.

About the genus

Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as bleeding heart or Asian bleeding heart, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the fumitory subfamily (Fumarioideae) of the Papaveraceae. It is native to Northeast China and the Korean peninsula; however, it has been introduced by humans into a larger area of Northeast Asia, including parts of Siberia, Russia and Japan.

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

In the garden

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' belongs to the Papaveraceae and is the white-flowered form of the garden bleeding heart. It is native to northeast Asia and is grown for its distinctive heart-shaped white flowers that appear in spring. The plant forms a recognisable clump and carries deciduous foliage through the season. Choose a site with partial shade and shelter from strong exposure; north-, east- or west-facing aspects suit it. A fertile loam with a neutral pH that remains moist but drains freely will keep the clump healthy. Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' is rated H6, which means it is very hardy and will withstand normal UK winter conditions when planted in a sheltered position. Use this cultivar in cottage and informal gardens or as a mid-border specimen where spring blooms can be seen close to paths or seating. It also fits well in mixed flower borders and beds, where its April to June display provides seasonal interest. Allow the foliage to complete its season naturally and clear away any decaying material to reduce disease pressure; removing spent flowering stems at the base will help maintain a tidy clump.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lamprocapnos

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba'

Propagation

Division in early spring or after foliage dies down, Root cuttings in winter

Pest resistance

Susceptible to slug damage

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions