Species Purple Bittercress
light-purple flowers with light-brown stamens, light-brown sepals and stems

Purple Bittercress

Cardamine purpurea

Purple Bittercress (Cardamine purpurea) is a small, native wildflower found in damp meadows and verges across much of the UK. It grows to around 20 cm in height and has deep purple four-petalled flowers which exhibit a rich musk perfume during the summer months. Its leaves are smooth and wavy in margin with each leaf comprised of three rounded leaflets. Easy to grow and self-seeding, it is a good choice for a garden border or wildflower meadow.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Small Flower Bittercress likes evenly moist soil and should be watered at least twice a week. Water deeply, and allow the soil to become somewhat dry between watering. Adding a layer of mulch can help maintain moisture levels and limit water loss from evaporation in the summer. During summertime, Small Flower Bittercress may require more frequent watering. It is best to use rainwater or distilled water as this variety does not respond well to harsh chemicals found in tap water. If the soil dries out too much the foliage may suffer, so be sure to check the soil regularly.

sunlight

Small Flower Bittercress (Cardamine parviflora) does best in full sunlight, which it requires for at least 6 hours each day if grown outdoors. The exact amount of sunlight required for the plant will depend on the climate and conditions of the area in which it is growing. For example, if planted in a warmer or more humid location, the amount of sunlight needed may be slightly lower. In cooler climates, or from late summer onwards, more sun will be necessary for optimal growth. It's best to try to provide consistent exposure throughout the plant's growing season, avoiding extreme variations in the amount of sunlight it receives.

pruning

Small Flower Bittercress (Cardamine parviflora) should be pruned in the late winter or very early spring, just before new growth begins. Prune the stems of this plant to a height of about 6 inches. Dead and damaged branches should be removed year-round, and any overcrowding should be thinned to promote good air circulation. As flowering comes to an end, cut the stems back to a few inches to encourage bushier growth.

⚠️ 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.