Overview
Cardamine carnosa is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cardamine carnosa 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 carnosa is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Cardamine, known for its simple, divided foliage and racemes of four-petalled flowers appearing in spring or summer. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, chalk, and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It is adaptable to full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered positions. Suitable for wildlife gardens, it requires moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil and benefits from watering during establishment.
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 carnosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine carnosa
- 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 carnosa?
Cardamine carnosa prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cardamine carnosa need?
Cardamine carnosa 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 carnosa hardy in the UK?
Cardamine carnosa 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 carnosa?
Seed, Division.
More in the Cardamine genus
- Cardamine amaralarge bittercress
- Cardamine californica
- Cardamine diphylla 'American Sweetheart'
- Cardamine quinquefolia
- Cardamine granulifera
- Cardamine triphyllathree-leaved toothwort