Overview
Lepidium coronopus is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Lepidium, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lepidium coronopus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Lepidium coronopus, commonly known as swine cress or olbrain dafadennog, is a clump-forming, columnar upright plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is deciduous and thrives in full sun with a preference for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects in sheltered locations. This cultivar grows best in fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, beds, and wall side borders. It is particularly valued for its interest in spring and summer and can be propagated by pencil-thick basal softwood cuttings in early spring.
About the genus
Lepidium is a genus of plants in the mustard/cabbage family, Brassicaceae. The genus is widely distributed in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. It includes familiar species such as garden cress, maca, and dittander.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lepidium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lepidium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lepidium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lepidium coronopus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lepidium coronopus
- Propagation
- Pencil thick basal softwood cuttings in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Earwigs, Delphinium leaf miner, Delphinium moth caterpillars, Slugs, Snails, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Delphinium black blotch, Crown rot, Viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lepidium coronopus?
Lepidium coronopus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lepidium coronopus need?
Lepidium coronopus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lepidium coronopus hardy in the UK?
Lepidium coronopus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lepidium coronopus?
Pencil thick basal softwood cuttings in early spring.