Cardamine bulbifera
coral root bittercress
A spreading perennial to about 60cm with succulent rhizomes and bright green leaves with narrow, serrated leaflets. Deep purple bulbils are produced at the base of the upper stem leaves. Small clusters of pale purple, four-petalled flowers appear in spring
Other common names
bulb-bearing toothwortcommon toothwort
see morecoral root
coral wort
tooth violet
toothcress
coralwort
Synonyms
Dentaria bulbifera
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cardamine are herbaceous perennials with simple, palmately or pinnately divided leaves and short racemes of 4-petalled white, yellow, pink or purplish flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, bulbils or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and flea beetles
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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