Cardamine trifolia – Three leafed Bittercress
Certainly not a well known plant, Cardamine trifolia (also known as Three leafed Bittercress) is an excellent plant that prefers a part shaded position. This is a woodland plant from Italy and surrounding areas. Useful as a ground cover plant it will grow to form a nice clump and has attractive white flowers in spring.
Over time is will spread to form a clump around 30cm across, having a neat habit it fits in well with many landscaping schemes that involve shade. The foliage is dense and a deep green which makes agood contrast to the white flowers that will appear above in early spring.
Care
An evergreen perennial Cardamine trifolia requires little maintenance or care. Try a humus rich moist but well drained soil although once established it copes well with drier conditions.
Growing well beneath deciduous trees and in any position that gives it dappled shade or filtered light it will reach a height of around 15cm and is useful for underplanting taller shrubs in the garden or in containers.
Forming a clump over time, plants can be divided in early spring before new growth commences, fertilise with a liquid seaweed fertiliser in spring
A little extra water in long dry summer periods will be beneficial.
Cardamine trifolia is available for sale from the following nurseries
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com