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 H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs, ground cover, wildlife gardens, rock garden, flower borders and beds, low maintenance, banks and slopes and wildflower meadow.
About
Cardamine pratensis, commonly known as cuckoo flower, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres and is deciduous. This plant thrives in moist but well-drained or poorly-drained clay and loam soils, tolerating a range of pH from acid to alkaline. Preferring sheltered locations with full or partial shade, it is suitable for west-, north-, or east-facing aspects. Cardamine pratensis is notable for its interest during spring and summer and typically takes 2 to 5 years to reach full height.
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
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
- H4
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, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Ground cover, Wildlife gardens, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine pratensis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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 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 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 pratensis?
Seed, Division.
More in the Cardamine genus
Browse all Cardamine →
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