Cardamine pratensis
Cardamine pratensis
Cuckooflower
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Taxonomy
Family Brassicaceae · Genus Cardamine
Description
Cardamine pratensis, the cuckooflower, is a delicate, moisture-loving perennial with soft lilac-pink spring blooms. Perfect for damp borders, pond edges, or a boggy pot, it’s easy to grow, self-seeds gently, and attracts pollinators for a fresh, natural look.
Common Names
CuckooflowerLady's smockMayflowerMilkmaids
Context
nativeRegion
Europe (including the British Isles) and western Asia; naturalized in parts of North America.
usdaZones
4-8
companionPlants
Primula vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Iris sibirica, Myosotis scorpioides, Carex spp., Filipendula ulmaria, Lychnis flos-cuculi
culturalUses
Young leaves and flowers have a peppery, cress-like flavor for salads and garnishes; traditional spring flower in British folklore; larval host and nectar source for orange-tip butterflies.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to part shade; prefers part shade in warmer climates.
WateringKeep consistently moist to wet; do not allow to dry out. Tolerates shallow standing water.
SoilMoist, humus-rich loam or clay; neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0). Ideal for damp meadows, stream banks, and bog edges.
FertilizerNot a heavy feeder; top-dress with compost in early spring. Optional light balanced feed after bloom if soil is poor.
HumidityAverage to high; thrives in humid, damp sites near water.
TemperatureCool-loving; best at 50–70°F (10–21°C). Frost-hardy to about USDA zone 4; may struggle in prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClump-forming herbaceous perennial with slender, erect stems from basal rosettes.
Mature Size12–24 in tall and 8–12 in wide (30–60 × 20–30 cm).
Growth RateFast in consistently moist soils; self-seeds readily.
BloomingSpring (typically April–May) with pale lilac to white four-petaled flowers.
DormancyHerbaceous; dies back in winter and re-sprouts in early spring.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (with cold stratification), Division of clumps, Basal cuttings
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSow seed in autumn (or spring after cold stratification); divide or take basal cuttings in spring or early autumn.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead after flowering to curb self-seeding or leave some seedheads for wildlife; cut back spent stems in late summer or late winter.
RepottingFor containers or bog pots, refresh media and divide clumps every 1–2 years in spring or early autumn.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, flea beetles, and slugs/snails may nibble; occasional powdery mildew or rust in stagnant, dry air; generally trouble-free in wet sites.
ToxicityNon-toxic; leaves and flowers are edible; safe around pets and wildlife.
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