perennial

White Bleeding Heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

27 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial, goes dormant in summer

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested; can cause skin irritation.

The Story

Plant Bio

Lamprocapnos spectabilis is a classic spring perennial with graceful, arching stems and deeply dissected, fern-like foliage. It is famous for its unique, heart-shaped flowers. The cultivar 'Alba' features pure white, heart-shaped flowers, offering an elegant and serene alternative to the common pink form. Like the species, it is a spring ephemeral, going dormant in mid-summer.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides exquisite, elegant beauty in the spring shade garden with its pure white, heart-shaped flowers and delicate, ferny foliage. It creates a serene and classic atmosphere.

An excellent choice for cutting gardens, as the flower stems last well in a vase. Its ephemeral nature allows later-emerging plants like hostas and ferns to have their moment.

The flowers are an important nectar source for early emerging queen bumblebees, which are strong enough to pry open the petals. Hummingbirds also visit the flowers.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a spot in part to full shade with rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Incorporate plenty of organic matter like compost into the soil.
Plant bare roots with the 'eyes' (buds) 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist.
Allow foliage to die back naturally in summer as the plant goes dormant.
Interplant with late-emerging perennials like hostas to fill the gap.

Pro Tip

Mark its location before it goes dormant in summer to avoid accidentally digging it up later in the season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season.
Provide a sheltered location away from strong winds to protect delicate stems.
Amend soil annually with compost to maintain fertility.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out, which can trigger premature dormancy.
Avoid planting in hot, sunny locations, which will scorch the foliage.
Don't cut back the foliage until it has completely yellowed and died back.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant accent in a shady spring borderClassic cottage or woodland garden plantCompanion for hostas and ferns to fill summer gaps

Companion Plants

Hosta Brunnera macrophylla Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' Pulmonaria Tiarella

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Bleeding Heart questions

What zones can White Bleeding Heart grow in?

White Bleeding Heart is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is White Bleeding Heart deer resistant?

Yes — White Bleeding Heart is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does White Bleeding Heart bloom?

White Bleeding Heart typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Bleeding Heart need full sun?

White Bleeding Heart does best in part shade.