Bleeding heart Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

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Available from: 03/02/2025

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.65

3.65 per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

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Number of m2

Nr. of plants

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Bulk discount!

Pcs Save Price/pc

2+ £4.05

6+ -2.5% £3.95

12+ -4.9% £3.85

24+ -7.4% £3.75

96+ -9.9% £3.65

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Low maintenance
Easy plant

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Dicentra (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
April, May

Leaf colour
White

Possibilities
Border, Group planting

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-15,0°C / -9,4°C, USDA zone 7b/8a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
3

Evergreen plants
No

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Bushy spreading growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
80

Art. no.
1000364

Description

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' | Bleeding heart

The Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', commonly known as the white bleeding heart, is an enchanting perennial that captivates with its distinct and delicate white flowers. This variety, with its graceful, arching stems and heart-shaped blossoms, adds a touch of elegance and poise to any garden setting.

With its blue-grey foliage that maintains its beauty from spring through autumn, Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' offers a serene backdrop for its blooms and creates an alluring contrast that is sure to draw attention in a border or as part of a group planting.

Key Features of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

The white Dicentra is recognized for its bushy spreading growth habit, which reaches an ultimate height of around 80 cm, making it a perfect fit for mid-border positions.
It thrives in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and is adaptable to both sunny and partially shaded locations.
The plant's foliage offers a unique color palette of blue, grey, and silver throughout the growing seasons, presenting a continual display of cool hues.
As a deciduous perennial, Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' will lose its leaves in the winter but will return each spring with renewed vigor and beauty.

Tips for Cultivating Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

To ensure that your Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' thrives, provide it with average water needs; keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is key.
While the plant does not require pruning, occasional division is recommended to promote health and invigorate growth. This should be done in the spring or autumn.
During the hotter months, consider providing some afternoon shade to prevent stress, especially in climates with intense summer sun.
As the plant is not drought-resistant, it is crucial to monitor water levels during dry spells to maintain its lush appearance and prevent wilting.

Ideal placement of a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

For optimal growth, Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' should be situated in a location that receives sun to partial shade. Although this species tolerates a range of soil conditions, it thrives in well-drained substrates that offer adequate moisture without waterlogging. This plant's delicate white blooms and distinct blue-grey foliage will stand out beautifully when placed in a border or as part of a group planting. Sheltered spots that provide protection from harsh afternoon sun will ensure the leaves maintain their unique coloration throughout the growing seasons.

How do I plant a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

To ensure a successful establishment of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', plant it in well-drained soil that accommodates most types. The ideal setting for this variety is a location that receives full sun to partial shade, catering to its moderate water needs. Upon planting, water the specimen thoroughly to encourage robust root growth. This bushy, spreading perennial reaches an ultimate height of 80 cm and is best suited for borders or group plantings where its white blooms can be admired in April and May. To maintain vigor, division is recommended in spring or autumn.

Pruning a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is one of the low-maintenance species that thrives without the need for regular pruning. This deciduous perennial naturally forms a bushy, spreading habit, and in the absence of pruning, it retains a graceful appearance. If desired, one may remove spent flower stems to keep the plant looking tidy, but this is more for aesthetic purposes than plant health. As the foliage dies back naturally, it can be cleared away to maintain a neat appearance in the garden.

Watering a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' thrives with consistent moisture, particularly when blooms are forming and throughout the flowering period of April and May. While the plant has average water needs, it is not drought-resistant and requires attention during extended periods of dryness. Ensuring the soil remains well-drained yet moist is crucial, as waterlogged conditions can be detrimental. In sunnier locations, the soil will dry out faster, necessitating more frequent watering. To maintain vigour and support the bushy, spreading growth habit, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilising a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

To ensure the vigor and health of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', it is important to provide a balanced nutritional regimen. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. This will give it the necessary boost for the growing season. A second application should be considered after the first flush of flowers has subsided, usually by the end of May, to support continued foliage and root development.

When fertilizing, distribute the nutrients evenly around the base of the plant, taking care not to concentrate the product too close to the stems to prevent any potential nutrient burn. Watering well after applying fertilizer helps to distribute the nutrients into the soil, allowing the plant to absorb them more effectively. This species thrives with consistent, but not excessive, feeding to maintain its lush, bushy growth and enchanting white blossoms.

The characteristics of a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

The Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' serves as an enchanting backdrop for spring bulbs, with its arching stems and white, heart-shaped blossoms adding a touch of romance to any garden space. Its foliage, which gracefully disappears in the heat of summer, allows for creative under-planting with late-season bloomers. Additionally, this species is ideal for a woodland garden setting, where it can thrive in the dappled shade, providing a serene and picturesque display.

Separating/dividing a Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'

To encourage new growth and maintain the health of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', division is recommended every few years. The optimal times for this task are during the cooler seasons of spring or autumn. Begin by carefully excavating the plant from the soil, ensuring the root system is intact. Next, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with a sufficient number of roots. Replant these divisions promptly, providing them with well-drained soil in a location that receives sun to partial shade. This practice not only invigorates the plant but also helps manage its size and shape.

What will be the height of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' typically achieves a height of 80 centimeters upon full maturity.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage will contribute to the optimal growth and health of this plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' thrives in a location with exposure to both sun and partial shade. This plant flourishes in areas where it can benefit from periods of direct sunlight as well as partial shade throughout the day.

What is the flowering colour of the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

The blossoms of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' display a pristine white hue, adding an elegant touch to this delightful plant.

Is the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' hardy?

Indeed, Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is considered winter hardy. It has the capacity to endure temperatures ranging from -15.0°C to -9.4°C, falling within the USDA hardiness zones 7b/8a. As such, this plant is well-suited to withstand the winter conditions within these designated zones.

Is the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' evergreen?

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is not an evergreen plant. It is a deciduous plant, which means it sheds its leaves annually.

What is the growth strength of the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'?

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' takes approximately 2 to 5 years to reach its ultimate height, indicating a moderate yet steady growth rate over this period.

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