Overview
Cardamine pratensis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cardamine pratensis grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Cardamine pratensis is a perennial plant that typically reaches heights of up to 45 cm. It produces a basal rosette of pinnate leaves, which can measure up to 15 cm in length and exhibit a grey-green to glossy dark green coloration, featuring rounded leaflets. In late spring, this species develops erect stems adorned with short racemes that display 4-petalled flowers, measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter, in shades of pale pink or white.
About the genus
Cardamine consists of herbaceous perennials characterized by their straightforward, palmately or pinnately divided foliage. In spring or summer, they produce short racemes bearing flowers with four petals, which can be white, yellow, pink, or purplish in hue.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cardamine
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cardamine pratensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine pratensis
- Cultivation
- Grow in humus-rich, moist soil in full or part shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cardamine pratensis?
Grow in humus-rich, moist soil in full or part shade.
Where is the best place to plant Cardamine pratensis?
Cardamine pratensis prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cardamine pratensis need?
Cardamine pratensis grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Cardamine pratensis?
No pruning required.
How big does Cardamine pratensis grow?
Cardamine pratensis reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cardamine pratensis hardy in the UK?
Cardamine pratensis has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Cardamine pratensis?
Propagate by seed or division.
Is Cardamine pratensis good for pollinators?
Yes — Cardamine pratensis attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.