Overview
Cardamine californica is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cardamine californica grows best in full sun, partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Cardamine californica is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Cardamine, known for its straightforward, divided foliage. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and adapts well to different soil types including loam, clay, chalk, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained to poorly-drained soils. It is hardy in the UK (H4) and is suitable for wildlife gardens. The plant produces short racemes of four-petalled flowers in spring and summer, adding seasonal interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cardamine
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Chalk, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North, South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cardamine californica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine californica
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to club root
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cardamine californica?
Cardamine californica prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cardamine californica need?
Cardamine californica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, chalk and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Cardamine californica hardy in the UK?
Cardamine californica has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cardamine californica?
Seed, Division.
More in the Cardamine genus
- Cardamine amaralarge bittercress
- Cardamine diphylla 'American Sweetheart'
- Cardamine quinquefolia
- Cardamine carnosa
- Cardamine granulifera
- Cardamine triphyllathree-leaved toothwort