Cardamine

Cardamines are hardy annuals or perennials with the common names of Bitter Cress, Cuckoo Plant and Lady's Smock. They are found wild in the mountain woodlands of west and central Europe. These plants grow from 6 to 24 inches high. C. pentaphyllos is an upright plant with dark green leaves, which are divided into 3 to 5 smooth leaflets. Its small, white or pale purple flowers are funnel-shaped and borne in little bunches above the leaves, in the spring.

Pot Cultivation

These plants thrive in regular, moist soil that has good drainage; the best is sandy soil enriched with humus. They will flourish in a cooler atmosphere in partial shade.

Propagation

They may be increased by seeds or division in the fall. Cuttings may also be taken and inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame.