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Description
Cardamine Macrophylla, also known as the Large-leaved bittercress, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to China, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is commonly grown as a ground cover in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant grows up to 40cm tall and 60cm wide, making it an ideal choice for shady spots in the garden. The leaves are dark green and grow in a rosette pattern, while the flowers are small and white with four petals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cardamine |
Appearance
Cardamine Macrophylla has dark green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern, and the flowers are small and white with four petals. The plant grows up to 40cm tall and 60cm wide. The foliage is attractive and provides a dense ground cover, making it ideal for shady spots in the garden. The leaves are large, up to 10cm wide, and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are followed by seed pods that split open to release the seeds.
Care Guide
Cardamine Macrophylla requires moist, well-drained soil and regular watering. It prefers partial to full shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cardamine Macrophylla is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildew. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. Slugs and snails eat holes in the leaves and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent these issues, keep the plant healthy and well-watered, remove any infected leaves, and apply appropriate pesticides or fungicides as needed.
Habitat
Cardamine Macrophylla is native to China, Korea, and Japan and is commonly grown as a ground cover in gardens. The plant prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be found growing in woodlands, along streams and rivers, and in other moist, shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cardamine Macrophylla a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Cardamine Macrophylla is a great ground cover plant for shady areas in the garden.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Cardamine Macrophylla?
A: Common pests and diseases that affect Cardamine Macrophylla include aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildew.
Q: What is the ideal growing condition for Cardamine Macrophylla?
A: Cardamine Macrophylla prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Q: How tall does Cardamine Macrophylla grow?
A: Cardamine Macrophylla grows up to 40cm tall and 60cm wide.
Related Plants
- Cardamine Hirsuta
- Cardamine Pratensis
- Cardamine Trifolia
- Cardamine Pentaphyllos
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/bitter-cress/care-of-bittercress-plants.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/117126/Cardamine-macrophylla/Details
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/cardamine-macrophylla/
