Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hairy bittercress on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Hairy bittercress
Cardamine hirsuta, commonly known as Hairy Bittercress, is a small annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is characterized by its pinnate basal rosette leaves and small white four-petaled flowers, which develop into elongated fruits (siliques) that explosively dehisce upon maturity, scattering the seeds. Although often considered a 'weed', its delicate appearance makes it interesting for wild gardens or as a groundcover in pots, where its rapid growth and early flowering can be appreciated.
Native range
Europe and Asia
Care tips
This plant thrives in a wide range of conditions, preferring partial to full shade and moist but well-drained soils. Watering should be regular to keep the substrate consistently moist, especially in warm climates. It is undemanding regarding substrate, adapting to most garden soil types, but prefers those with some organic matter. A common mistake is underestimating its self-seeding ability; to control its spread, remove plants before the siliques mature and explode.
How to save a dying Hairy bittercress
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, soft stems. Stunted or very weak growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and moisture. Remove damaged leaves. Place in partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering rotting roots or prolonged drought. Too much direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and stem still firm.