Romantic and delicate looking, Bleeding Hearts are actually hardy plants that make themselves right at home in partial shade, particularly if the soil is rich and moist. The white flowered form, usually called 'Alba', is a perfect feature for a white garden. One specimen of the larger Dicentra spectabilis is enough to grab your attention. However S. spectabilis can be ephemeral and disappear once the weather warms. If that's the case in your garden, one of the fringed-leaf varieties, S. eximia (shown here) or S. formosa, might be a better choice.
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (Bleeding Heart): Zones 3 - 9 (30" x 36") Bloom Period: April - May
Good alternatives include:
- D. eximia 'Alba' (Eastern Fringed Bleeding Heart) Zones 3 - 9 (18" x 9") Repeat Bloomer
- D. formosa 'Alba' (Western Fringed Bleeding Heart) Zones 4 - 10 (18" x 24") Bloom Period May - June