Arching sprays of dainty, pure white, heart-shaped flowers appear in late spring above fern-like, fresh green leaves. Easy to grow, this elegant dicentra is ideal for illuminating a woodland garden or as part of a cottage garden scheme, and as long as the ground is kept moist, 'Alba' will thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Lamprocapnos are northern hemisphere plants, growing from Asia to North America. In their natural habitat they are found in moist soils in the cool margins of woodlands. It is one of the earliest perennials into flower, but the foliage does start to die back after flowering, so it is best mixed amongst summer flowers, which can then maintain interest in the border.