Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Cardamine pratensis thrives in damp conditions, so ensure it does not dry out, particularly during warmer months.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather but maintain soil moisture.
Also known as American Cuckoo-Flower · Cuckoo Bittercress · Cuckoo-Flower
Cardamine pratensis, the Cuckoo Flower, is a charming perennial herb with delicate pink to lilac flowers blooming in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
60% intensity
Tolerates a range of light.
Keep soil consistently moist.
70% intensity
Prefers damp conditions.
Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types.
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal growing range 10-20°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding is sufficient.
20% intensity
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Cardamine pratensis thrives in damp conditions, so ensure it does not dry out, particularly during warmer months.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather but maintain soil moisture.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer bloom period and prevent self-seeding if desired. Remove any yellowing or dead foliage in late autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and promote new growth.
Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or autumn. Seeds can also be sown in autumn or early spring. Division is the most reliable method for maintaining desirable traits.
If grown in pots, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
| Species | Cardamine pratensis |
Similar in genus Cardamine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
