Large White Buttercup
cardamine enneaphyllos
Also known as: ["Large White Buttercup","Large White Cress"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its large, white flowers and compound leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cardamine |
| Botanical Name: | Cardamine enneaphyllos |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- 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: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay or overly sandy mixes.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage appears unhealthy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid south-facing windows in summer; provide dappled light outdoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Avoid overwatering during dormancy; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings in growing season; use lukewarm water.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of peat, loam, and sand; ensure soil is not waterlogged; top-dress annually with compost.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; use a thermometer to monitor conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed; division is preferred for mature plants, while seeds are suitable for new cultivations.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Plant seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Provide warmth and light.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins for division; sow seeds in late summer to early fall.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%) for seeds; bright indirect light; maintain consistent temperatures (55–65°F or 13–18°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for division; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 3–6 weeks, maturity in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, small pots, rooting medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Divide only when plant is overcrowded; use fresh seed starting mix for seeds; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves or stems at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain vigor and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools before use; prune in early spring or after flowering; dispose of removed foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when overcrowded or soil is depleted; typically every 2–3 years or when plant outgrows its container.
Checklist
Use fresh potting mix; ensure pot has drainage; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure proper drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (fall to early spring); increase frequency in active growth (late spring to summer) to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or failure to flower in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause root damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); inhibits flowering.
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors or to a sheltered location; maintain consistent temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer properly; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring to summer); avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCardamine enneaphyllos is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCardamine enneaphyllos is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCardamine enneaphyllos is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cardamine enneaphyllos toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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