Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba')
Discover Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba', the white Bleeding heart perennial, offering spectacular spring blooms in shadier garden spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’, commonly known as white Bleeding heart, is a cherished, classic addition to the woodland or shade garden. This herbaceous perennial is instantly recognizable by its distinctive, puffy, heart-shaped white flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems in mid-to-late spring. It offers a spectacular, soft contrast in areas where other flowering plants struggle due to shade.
Native to Japan, this old garden favorite establishes itself reliably, thriving in cooler, moister conditions typical of spring. While the bright white blooms of Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ are the main attraction, gardeners should be mindful that the attractive foliage often goes dormant by mid-summer, especially if conditions become dry.
Choosing the right placement is key to enjoying this plant; ensure it receives adequate moisture and protection from intense afternoon sun. Successful cultivation of this traditional Bleeding heart variety rewards the gardener with reliable spring color before the summer heat sets in.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Papaveraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ in the spring or early fall once the danger of hard frost has passed. Optimal planting locations provide average, medium, well-drained soil, though this Bleeding heart truly prefers rich, humusy soils that remain consistently moist throughout the growing season. Full shade or partial shade locations are ideal, as the plant is intolerant of prolonged dry soils during summer months.
Watering should be maintained at a medium level, focusing on consistency, particularly as the plant establishes. Good soil drainage is absolutely essential for survival, as the plant cannot tolerate wet soils, especially during winter dormancy. While maintenance is generally medium, there is no heavy fertilizing required, leaning instead on amending the soil with organic matter to maintain fertility.
A characteristic feature of this perennial is its summer dormancy. As temperatures climb and soil dries, the foliage often begins to die back in mid-summer, particularly in warmer climates like St. Louis areas. Do not disturb the remaining root crown during this time; simply allow the foliage to vanish naturally.
Landscape Uses
The classic arching structure and lovely white flowers make Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ perfectly suited for the shaded border or naturalized woodland garden settings. Because the foliage of this white Bleeding heart disappears mid-season, strategic planting is necessary to ensure the garden remains attractive year-round.
For seamless summer coverage, plant the Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ among later-emerging perennials like hostas and ferns. These companions will gracefully fill the gaps left when the heart-shaped flower stems fade, providing continuous texture through summer and fall. The plant also works beautifully when naturalized beneath deciduous trees, blending into drifts of spring ephemerals.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lamprocapnos spectabilis has been a common, old garden favorite for many years. This is a late spring blooming perennial which typically grows to 24-36” tall and to 18-24” wide, displaying nodding, puffy, heart-shaped flowers with protruding white inner petals that begin bloom before the leaves emerge. The common name Bleeding heart refers to the appearance of the white inner petal structure within the heart shape.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
This perennial generally experiences few serious insect or disease challenges, offering relatively low-stress gardening. However, gardeners should monitor for occasional aphid infestations, which can be managed with insecticidal soap if necessary. The most critical factor for long-term health and survival of the Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ is ensuring excellent soil drainage, particularly avoiding perpetually soggy conditions in winter. If the foliage dies back unexpectedly early, check the soil moisture, as dry summer conditions accelerate dormancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ suitable for?
This versatile plant performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, offering wide adaptability across various climates.
How large does Bleeding heart grow?
In typical garden conditions, this variety of Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ reaches a height between 2 and 2.5 feet and spreads moderately to about 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Bleeding heart bloom?
The spectacular flowers of this white Bleeding heart variety appear in early to late spring, specifically between April and May, featuring lovely white coloration.
What sun exposure does Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ need?
This shade lover requires protection from harsh afternoon light, thriving best when situated in areas receiving part shade to full shade.
Conclusion
Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ remains a highly valuable addition to any spring garden, bringing its iconic white, heart-shaped blooms to shady locations. For perennial success with this white Bleeding heart, focus on providing rich, consistently moist, yet well-drained soil. Before planting, confirm your site conditions align with USDA Zones 3-9 and plan companions to obscure the foliage after its summer dormancy.
Companion Planting
Choosing appropriate partners is essential when cultivating white Bleeding heart in partial to full shade environments. Since the foliage of Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ retreats by mid-summer, companions should have later emergence or robust summer structure. Consider planting under the canopy of trees where spring bulbs have naturalized alongside it.
Excellent companions include plants that appreciate similar medium moisture levels and shade tolerance. Hostas provide structural contrast with their varied leaf shapes and colors, while various moisture-loving ferns can fill in gaps beautifully as the season progresses. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) offers early color and dense coverage through the summer months.
This strategy ensures that the border maintains visual interest long after the main performance of the Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ is complete. A coordinated planting scheme maximizes the use of limited spring light and minimizes the impact of summer dieback.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring (Pre-Bloom): Apply a light layer of compost around the base of the established crown after the true foliage emerges. This feeds the plant and helps maintain the soil moisture that Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ requires just before flowering.
Late Spring/Early Summer (Bloom & Foliage Decline): Enjoy the white flowers, but watch soil moisture closely. If the plant begins to look dry during the bloom period, increase watering immediately to potentially delay the onset of summer dormancy. Avoid mechanical cultivation near the crown.
Summer (Dormancy): Allow the foliage to fade naturally; resist the temptation to cut it back until it has completely yellowed or browned. Water only sparingly during this period if the summer is extremely dry, but avoid saturation, as wet winter soil is a major threat.
Fall/Winter: Tidy up any remaining dead foliage once it has fully died back. Ensure the planting area is not overly wet through the winter months, as poor drainage here can lead to crown rot for the dormant roots of this classic Bleeding heart.
