Alba White Bleeding Heart
Alba White Bleeding Heart
Pure White Hearts That Glow in the Shade Garden
Alba White Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba') is the elegant white form of the beloved classic — rows of pure white, heart-shaped flowers dangling from arching stems above fresh green foliage in mid to late spring. The crisp white practically glows in shaded corners and lifts dark woodland beds. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a serene, timeless choice for part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Alba White Bleeding Heart Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' |
| Mature Size | 24–36 in. tall, 24–30 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | Pure white hearts |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Fresh green; often goes summer-dormant in heat |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Luminous shade gardens: White flowers brighten the darkest corners and pair with any color scheme. Space 24–30 inches apart.
Woodland borders: Plant with hostas and ferns that fill in as the bleeding heart goes dormant in summer heat. Lovely with brunnera and astilbe.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Alba White Bleeding Heart
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 24–30 inches apart.
Watering Alba White Bleeding Heart
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture in spring; needs little water once it goes summer-dormant.
Q: Why does the foliage disappear in summer?
Bleeding heart naturally goes dormant in summer heat — that's normal. Plant companions to fill the gap.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, returning each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse it.
Q: How big does it get?
A graceful arching mound up to 3 feet tall and wide in rich, moist shade.
You May Also Like
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis): The classic pink form of this woodland favorite.
Hosta: A bold-leaved companion that fills in as bleeding heart goes dormant.
Astilbe: White or pink plumes for continued shade color.