Description
The Alba Bleeding Heart is a unique, white-flowered variety of the classic bleeding heart plant. Known for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems, this perennial is perfect for shady, woodland-like settings. The white blossoms add a soft, elegant touch to gardens, making it a great choice for shaded borders, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it thrives best in shaded areas, especially in hotter climates where afternoon sun can scorch its foliage and flowers.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, and humus-rich soil is ideal. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred, but it can tolerate a variety of soil types as long as they are kept consistently moist.
Water: Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells. The plant enjoys consistent moisture, but the soil should not become soggy, as it may lead to root rot.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of temperate climates. It’s well-suited to cooler to moderate zones and appreciates a cool, shady spot.
Maintenance: Relatively low-maintenance. Deadheading the spent flowers helps improve its appearance and may encourage a second bloom. After the foliage dies back in late summer, it can be cut back to the ground. It benefits from being divided every few years to keep it vigorous and prevent overcrowding.
Key Features:
Foliage: The plant has elegant, fern-like, blue-green leaves that form a neat mound. The foliage remains attractive until it dies back in the summer.
Flowers: The white, heart-shaped flowers dangle from arching stems, giving the plant a delicate, romantic look. Blooms appear in late spring to early summer, typically in May or June, and can last for several weeks.
Growth Habit: Grows to about 18-24 inches tall and 18-30 inches wide. It forms a compact, rounded clump, and the flowers are borne in a graceful, cascading manner, making it a great focal point in shaded areas.
Summary: The Alba Bleeding Heart is a beautiful, white-flowered variety of the traditional bleeding heart. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, it thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil. Its elegant, white heart-shaped flowers and delicate fern-like foliage make it an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a specimen plant. Low-maintenance and visually stunning, it provides a serene, romantic touch to shady garden spaces, blooming in late spring to early summer.
