Dicentra Spectabilis 'Alba'

from $14.00

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’, the white bleeding heart, is one of spring’s marvels. Arching stems carry rows of pure white, heart-shaped flowers that seem to hover above soft, fern-like foliage. There is nothing brash about it. It blooms in that gentle window between early bulbs and high summer — luminous, romantic, and fleeting in the most beautiful way.

In a white garden, ‘Alba’ reads as cool and serene. In a mixed border, it softens structure and brings movement. It pairs effortlessly with hostas, ferns, brunnera, and early alliums. Like all bleeding hearts, it follows a natural rhythm — blooming generously in spring, then gradually retreating as summer heat arrives.

Your bare root plant will ship once our spring inventory arrives (expected early April). We carefully inspect and prepare each order prior to shipping to ensure strong, healthy plants. Orders ship in the order received. Because this is a pre-order item, shipping dates are estimates and may shift slightly based on supplier timing.

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Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’, the white bleeding heart, is one of spring’s marvels. Arching stems carry rows of pure white, heart-shaped flowers that seem to hover above soft, fern-like foliage. There is nothing brash about it. It blooms in that gentle window between early bulbs and high summer — luminous, romantic, and fleeting in the most beautiful way.

In a white garden, ‘Alba’ reads as cool and serene. In a mixed border, it softens structure and brings movement. It pairs effortlessly with hostas, ferns, brunnera, and early alliums. Like all bleeding hearts, it follows a natural rhythm — blooming generously in spring, then gradually retreating as summer heat arrives.

Your bare root plant will ship once our spring inventory arrives (expected early April). We carefully inspect and prepare each order prior to shipping to ensure strong, healthy plants. Orders ship in the order received. Because this is a pre-order item, shipping dates are estimates and may shift slightly based on supplier timing.

Planting & Care

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones 3–9

Light

Part shade to full shade
(Morning sun is tolerated, but protect from strong afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.)

Mature Size

Height: 24–36 inches
Width: 24–30 inches

Forms a graceful, arching clump.

Spacing

24–30 inches apart
(Plant in small groupings for a fuller woodland effect.)

Planting Depth (Important)

Plant so the crown sits just below soil level, about 1 inch deep.
Planting too deeply can delay emergence and reduce vigor.

Water Needs

Moderate. Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season to establish roots. Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil.

Garden Compatibility

Deer Resistance

Moderately deer resistant, though young growth may occasionally be sampled.

Rabbit Resistance

Generally not preferred.

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Common Planting Mistakes

• Planting in full, harsh afternoon sun
• Allowing soil to dry excessively during establishment
• Cutting foliage back too early after flowering
• Forgetting that the plant naturally goes dormant in summer

What to Expect After Planting

Dicentra ‘Alba’ emerges in early spring with soft, divided foliage. Flowering typically occurs mid-to-late spring. In warmer climates or dry conditions, the foliage may yellow and retreat by early to midsummer — this is completely normal. The plant is not dying; it is entering dormancy.

Expect fuller growth and more abundant flowering in year two once the root system has settled.

Shipping & Returns

Ships as a dormant bare-root plant during the appropriate seasonal window.

Bare roots are living plants in a dormant state and may not resemble potted nursery plants at time of arrival. Please review our Bare Root Plant FAQ before purchasing.