Product Description
Dicentra 'White Diamonds' PPAF CPBRAF - Proven Winners® (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart
A white flowering companion to 'Pink Diamonds'. Pure white blooms begin appearing in spring and continue until frost. Glaucous blue-green foliage is finely textured, lending to the common name of 'Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart'. This is an alpine type Bleeding Heart and will have its best performance in full sun and well-drained soils.
This is an alpine type of bleeding heart and is not a shade plant. For best results, plant in full sun in soil with good drainage. Do not overwater or plant in an area that gets waterlogged.
Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is different from the other bleeding hearts you may be familiar with in that it is not a woodland plant. It is from high elevations in cool climates, and it can grow in full sun there, much like an alpine. It will not grow well in heavy clay soils and does not need deep, moist soils like most Dicentras. Give this one more sun than you would typically give a Dicentra, and you will be rewarded with stronger growth and more flowers.
Height: 14.0-16.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-20.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Fall, Long Blooming
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Slow - Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Small
Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is a captivating flowering plant that brings a touch of elegance to any garden setting. Unlike its shade-loving relatives, this unique bleeding heart thrives in full sun, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes. This comprehensive guide delves into the characteristics, care requirements, and unique aspects of this stunning perennial, providing you with all the information you need to successfully cultivate and enjoy its beauty.
Dicentra 'White Diamonds', also known as the Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart, is a patented (PPAF) hybrid variety of bleeding heart. It is prized for its delicate, pure white flowers and attractive foliage. This alpine variety distinguishes itself from traditional bleeding hearts by flourishing in full sun and well-drained soil. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings, including rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
Characteristics
- Flowers: Dicentra 'White Diamonds' graces the garden with an abundance of small, heart-shaped white flowers that bloom continuously from spring until frost. The flowers are delicately held on slender stems above the foliage, creating an airy and graceful display.
- Foliage: Complementing the pristine white blooms, the plant boasts fern-like, blue-green foliage. The finely textured foliage forms a lush backdrop, enhancing the plant's overall elegance.
- Growth Habit: Dicentra 'White Diamonds' typically reaches a height of 14-16 inches and spreads 16-20 inches wide. It exhibits a mounded growth habit, forming a compact and well-defined clump.
- Hardiness: This perennial is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Care Instructions
- Sunlight Requirements: One of the most remarkable features of Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is its ability to thrive in full sun, unlike other bleeding hearts that prefer shade. For optimal growth and a profusion of blossoms, ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for the health of Dicentra 'White Diamonds'. It thrives in moist, loamy soil with good drainage. It is important to avoid heavy clay soils, as they can retain excess moisture, leading to waterlogging and root rot. This plant tolerates a variety of soil pH levels, including acidic, alkaline, and neutral.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during the first growing season, to help the plant establish a strong root system. However, allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Overwatering can be detrimental to the plant's health.
- Fertilizer: To promote healthy growth and abundant flowering, fertilize Dicentra 'White Diamonds' once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced fertilizer.
- Temperature: Dicentra 'White Diamonds' thrives in a temperature range of 50-55°F during the day and 40-50°F at night.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Dividing the plant every few years helps maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Growth Habits and Size Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is a slow to medium grower. It typically reaches a mature size of 16 inches in height and 20 inches in width. The plant forms a low, ferny mound of blue-green foliage, adding a delicate texture to garden beds or containers.
- Hardiness and Cold Tolerance Dicentra 'White Diamonds' exhibits excellent cold tolerance, hardy to USDA zone 3. It can withstand cold temperatures below 40°F for 8-10 weeks , making it a suitable choice for gardens in regions with colder climates.
Additional Information
- Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is deer resistant, making it a welcome addition to gardens frequented by these animals.
- It attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
- This versatile plant is an excellent choice for containers, borders, and mass plantings, adding a touch of elegance to various garden designs.
- Unlike other bleeding hearts that prefer shade, Dicentra 'White Diamonds' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- It is not native to North America.
- Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is also suitable as a cut flower, allowing you to bring its beauty indoors.
- Consider pairing Dicentra 'White Diamonds' with companion plants such as Allium 'Serendipity' and Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' for a vibrant and harmonious display.
Dicentra 'White Diamonds' is a truly remarkable perennial that offers both beauty and versatility. Its stunning white flowers, attractive foliage, and exceptionally long blooming season make it a standout choice for any garden. With its unique ability to thrive in full sun and its adaptability to various soil types, this low-maintenance plant is sure to bring years of enjoyment. Consider adding Dicentra 'White Diamonds' to your garden this season and witness its captivating charm firsthand. You can find more information about Dicentra and other beautiful perennials on reputable gardening websites and resources.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 3.25 inches deep x 2.6 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
