Species Bulbous Bitter Cress
white flowers, and green-white buds with lime leaves and green stems

Bulbous Bitter Cress

Cardamine bulbosa

Also Known As - Spring Cress
Bulbous Bitter Cress is a flowering plant of the family Brassicaceae, which is known for its striking, bulbous growth form. This plant is native to Europe and thrives in moist soils. It has small, white flowers that appear in the spring and can reach 6–12" in height. The flowers are followed by small, round, light green, edible fruits. The leaves are thick and waxy, making them tolerant of dry and frosty conditions. Its feathery, finely divided foliage adds an airy softness to the garden, and makes it an eye-catching ornamental. With these robust and delightful features, Bulbous Bitter Cress is an excellent addition to any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

This Alpine Bitter Cress plant should be watered just enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To determine when to water, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is damp, then do not water. If it is dry, then water lightly. Water the plant every 7-10 days during the growing season and monthly in the winter, or whenever the soil becomes dry. It is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and make adjustments accordingly.

sunlight

Alpine Bitter Cress requires full sunlight in order to thrive. As a sun-loving plant, it should be grown in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day. If grown in partial sun, the plant may become weak and may not produce flowers. For optimal results, it should be planted in an area that receives full sun all day. It can tolerate some shade but will not reach its full potential if not grown in plenty of sunlight.

pruning

Alpine Bitter Cress should be pruned in late spring right before the plant starts to blossom. It is best to remove only the dead or diseased stems in order to maintain the plant’s shape and health. Be sure to sterilize your pruning shears beforehand with rubbing alcohol or an anti-fungal solution. Prune sparingly, as too much pruning can cause the plant to become thin and spindly. Pruned stems should also be removed from the area as they can harbor diseases and pests.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.