Overview

Cardamine triphylla is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cardamine, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cardamine triphylla 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 triphylla, commonly known as three-leaved toothwort, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and adapts well to different soil types including loam, clay, chalk, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soils. It produces short racemes of four-petalled flowers in spring and summer, contributing to wildlife gardens. Hardy to UK zone H4, it can be propagated by seed or division and prefers fertile, well-drained soil for cultivation.

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 triphylla size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cardamine triphylla

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 triphylla?

Cardamine triphylla prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cardamine triphylla need?

Cardamine triphylla 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 triphylla hardy in the UK?

Cardamine triphylla 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 triphylla?

Seed, Division.

More in the Cardamine genus

Browse all Cardamine