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Herbaceous Perennial

Cardamine pentaphyllos
  • RHS AGM

showy toothwort

An herbaceous perennial forming a clump of pinnate leaves, with erect stems bearing short racemes of pale purple or white flowers in spring and early summer

Synonyms
Dentaria digitata
Dentaria pentaphyllos
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple White Green
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cardamine are herbaceous perennials with simple, palmately or pinnately divided leaves and short racemes of 4-petalled white, yellow, pink or purplish flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full or part shade, in any moist soil that is not waterlogged

Propagation

Propagate by division, but you can also Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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