Overview
Cardamine macrophylla is a perennial herb in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Cardamine macrophylla grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shaded borders and naturalized areas. It is native to Russia to Japan and Himalaya.
About
Cardamine macrophylla is a perennial herb notable for its relatively large leaves and compact 0.3 m height. It belongs to the Brassicaceae and originates from a range extending from Russia through to Japan and the Himalaya. Flowers appear in spring and early summer, providing seasonal interest. Plants suit moist to wet situations and tolerate partial shade.
About the genus
Cardamine is a large genus of flowering plants in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, known as bittercresses and toothworts. It contains more than 200 species of annuals and perennials. Species in this genus can be found in diverse habitats worldwide, except the Antarctic.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cardamine", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cardamine
In the garden
Cardamine macrophylla is a perennial herb in the mustard family native from Russia to Japan and the Himalaya. It grows to around 0.3 m and produces its flowering display in the UK between April and June. The species is suited to temperate conditions where soil remains on the moist side. Position plants where they receive full sun to partial shade and where soil is sandy, loamy or clay but stays moist or wet; it will also tolerate moist but well-drained ground. Hardiness is H7 — fully hardy in the UK — and the USDA range of 5–9 indicates it copes across a broad temperate belt without winter protection. Allow sufficient space for a low, perennial clump and avoid siting in drought-prone, free-draining spots. Use Cardamine macrophylla in woodland-style borders, shaded edges or naturalised areas where its spring–early-summer flowers can sit beneath taller plants. At about 0.3 m tall it works well at the front of a shaded border or beneath deciduous shrubs, offering ground-level leaf cover through the growing season and a clear floral period from April to June.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cardamine
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cardamine macrophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, shaded borders, naturalized areas
- Native to
- Russia to Japan and Himalaya
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine macrophylla
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil; tolerates shade; avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- By seed sown in autumn or spring; division in early spring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cardamine macrophylla?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil; tolerates shade; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Cardamine macrophylla?
Cardamine macrophylla prefers full sun. It suits partial shade positions.
What soil does Cardamine macrophylla need?
Cardamine macrophylla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Cardamine macrophylla?
Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance.
How big does Cardamine macrophylla grow?
Cardamine macrophylla reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Cardamine macrophylla hardy in the UK?
Cardamine macrophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cardamine macrophylla?
By seed sown in autumn or spring; division in early spring.