Cardamine latifolia Vahl
greater cuckoo flower
A spreading hardy perennial which grows from thick roots (rhizomes). In early summer it produces clusters of lilac-pink, or white four-petalled flowers on thin stems above a carpet of dark-green pinnate leaves.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- S Europe (mts)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow on soils rich in organic matter that retain moisture. Sun or part-shade.
Propagation
Propagate readily via rhizomes and by self-seeding. Alternatively, collect seed to sow in autumn or spring in a cold-frame or sheltered place outdoors. Mature plants can be divided after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetles and aphids.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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