Overview
Cardamine quinquefolia is a clump forming perennial in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cardamine quinquefolia grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Bulgaria, Central European Russia, East European Russia, Iran, Krym, North Caucasus, Romania, South European Russia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe and Ukraine.
About
Cardamine quinquefolia, the five-leaved cuckoo flower or whorled coral-root, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to an area from south eastern Europe to northern Iran.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cardamine quinquefolia
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cardamine quinquefolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Bulgaria, Central European Russia, East European Russia, Iran, Krym, North Caucasus, Romania, South European Russia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardamine quinquefolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerant of a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand; suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cardamine quinquefolia?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerant of a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand; suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Where is the best place to plant Cardamine quinquefolia?
Cardamine quinquefolia prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cardamine quinquefolia need?
Cardamine quinquefolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. 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 quinquefolia?
Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Cardamine quinquefolia hardy in the UK?
Cardamine quinquefolia 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 quinquefolia?
Seed, Division.
