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Herbaceous Perennial

Cardamine trifolia

three-leaved cuckoo flower

A creeping perennial with three-lobed, dark green leaves. In late spring it produces clusters of open, cup-shaped, white flowers on 15cm stems

Other common names
trefoil cress
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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
C & S Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist soil in full or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • 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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