Species Large Toothwort
white flowers with lime-yellow sepals and buds with green stems and leaves

Large Toothwort

Cardamine maxima

Large Toothwort (Cardamine maxima) is a perennially blooming plant species native to humid temperate forests of Europe and northern Asia. It features glossy green foliage with three to five pairs of leaflets, and strikingly large, long-lasting white or lavender flowers in spring. This flower species grows in clumps reaching heights of up to 30 cm, with an extended shallow root system, making it suitable for spring flower beds or wood borders. Its vibrant blooms make it an attractive addition to any garden, while its deep taproots help to enrich the soil.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Large Toothwort needs to be watered regularly to ensure its growth and health. It prefers moist soil, but make sure not to waterlog the soil. During the growing season, the soil should be kept uniformly moist but not soggy. Water the plant once or twice a week if the soil is dry to the touch. During the winter months, water less frequently, only when the top inch of soil feels dry. If the plant is containerized, water until the water drains through the holes in the bottom of the container. Be sure to never allow your Large Toothwort to dry out completely as this can cause permanent damage.

sunlight

Large Toothwort (Cardamine maxima) prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it can thrive in both sunny and partially shady areas depending on how much direct sunlight the plant is exposed to. Generally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If the plant receives too much direct sunlight, it may become wilted and stressed. To avoid this, it is best to ensure that it is protected from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Additionally, when temperatures reach above 90°F, it is best to ensure that the plant has some shade during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

The Large Toothwort should be pruned annually in late spring. Pruning should occur just as the plant is beginning to bud. Pruning should consist of removing any dead or yellowing stems, and any stems that are too large or that cross over 1 another. Any stems that are longer than 3 feet should be trimmed back to encourage bushier growth. If the plant is overcrowded, some of the older stems should be thinned out to provide space for new growth. It is also important to remove spent flower heads and seedpods after they are finished blooming.