Cuckoo Flower
cardamine bulbifera
Also known as: ["Bulb-bearing Bittercress","Lady's Smock"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with white or pinkish flowers, known for its bulbils on the stem.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cardamine |
| Botanical Name: | Cardamine bulbifera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded rock garden, or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in late autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 2–4 hours of indirect light daily, especially during spring and summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or under taller plants.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; place in dappled shade; monitor for leaf yellowing.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; prioritize soil moisture over frequent light watering.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; maintain consistent moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or bulbils; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate bulbils or divide clumps.
- Plant 2–3 inches deep.
- Water lightly.
- Keep in shade until established.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins or after flowering when bulbils are mature.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbils may take 1–2 years to mature; division can yield mature plants in the same season.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, clean knife, small pots.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbils gently to avoid damage; plant at the same depth as the parent plant; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only damaged foliage; avoid cutting into healthy stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, trim any damaged roots, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 2–3 years to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check for root crowding; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow excess to escape.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and early summer, reducing frequency in dormant periods. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in cold, wet soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in excessive heat above 80°F (27°C), especially with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; use diluted solution; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth in spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Cardamine bulbifera. The bulbils and roots are the most likely to cause symptoms, though severe reactions are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cardamine bulbifera can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The bulbils and roots contain irritants that may cause discomfort but are not generally considered highly toxic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCardamine bulbifera contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The bulbils and roots are the primary toxic parts, containing irritants that may lead to discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cardamine bulbifera edible?
A: There is limited information on its edibility; it is not commonly consumed.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Q: How does it propagate?
A: It spreads via bulbils on the stem and by seed.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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