Cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis 'Flore Pleno' (d)

Water

Cuckoo flower, or Cardamine pratensis 'Flore Pleno', prefers consistent moisture, so it's best to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering about once a week, but this could vary based on climate and weather conditions. Use a gentle stream of water to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the delicate foliage and flowers. Each watering session should be thorough, providing enough water to penetrate the soil to the root level. As a general rule, aim for about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season.

Light

The cuckoo flower thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot where the plant can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, while being protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. The ideal location provides bright morning light with dappled or light shade during the intense midday and afternoon hours.

Temperature

Cuckoo flowers are hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F but will perform best when the weather is between 60°F and 70°F. They are cold-hardy perennials and can endure winter chill, making them suitable for many temperate regions. It's important to avoid exposure to temperatures above 80°F for extended periods, as this can stress the plant.

Pruning

Cuckoo flowers benefit from deadheading to promote further blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season. In late fall or early spring, cut back dead foliage to tidy up the plant and encourage fresh growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cuckoo Flower thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix can be created by combining loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and a small amount of sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Cuckoo Flower, being a perennial, doesn't require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to maintain vigor or when it outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Cuckoo Flower prefers a high humidity environment, mirroring its natural damp meadow habitat. Strive for a humidity level around 60-75% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep soil moist, ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Keep soil moist in partial shade; protect from midday sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Cuckoo flower or Lady's smock (Cardamine pratensis 'Flore Pleno') starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon encountering favorable spring conditions, germinates in the moist, fertile soil typically found in meadows, damp grasslands, or riverbanks. After germination, the seedling grows into a rosette of basal leaves during its first stage of vegetative growth. Over time, with adequate sunlight and moisture, the plant bolting follows, sending up flower stalks that bear distinctive double or 'Flore Pleno' flowers, usually in shades of pale pink or purple, which bloom from April to June. These showy flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, seeds develop in long, slender pods known as siliques, and when ripe, these pods release the seeds back into the environment to complete the reproductive cycle. During the winter, the plant dies back to its root system, remaining dormant until the following spring, when the life cycle starts anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Cuckoo Flower or Lady's Smock (Cardamine pratensis 'Flore Pleno') is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is either in autumn or immediately after they mature in late spring to early summer to ensure that the cold stratification they require to break dormancy is met naturally. To propagate by seed, simply scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly press them into the soil. They should not be covered with soil as they need light for germination. Keep the seeded area or container moist until germination, which usually takes 14-30 days. After the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing positions in the garden, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for full growth.