About
Cochlearia officinalis is a semi-evergreen perennial native to the UK, typically growing between 15 and 40 cm tall. This plant features a spreading growth pattern with fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that vary in color from dark green to reddish-purple. During the months of April and May, it bears white flowers that are occasionally accented with hints of mauve or purple and emit a mild fragrance. Traditionally, its rich vitamin C content was important for sailors in avoiding scurvy.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- NW Eur., Alps
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun, requires minimal cultivation; thrives in saline environments with adequate moisture
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seeds outdoors
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free