My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris · Brassicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant shepherd's purse: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, light green
Flowering
Spring to autumn (April to October)
Adult size
20 to 60 cm in height
Growth
Very fast
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -15°C
Origin
Mediterranean region and Western Asia
Soil type
Well-drained, undemanding

Care

Watering

Shepherd's purse prefers moderately moist soil without excess water. In natural conditions, spring and autumn waterings are sufficient; in summer, water lightly if the soil dries out on the surface. Avoid stagnant water which promotes fungal diseases.

Light exposure

This plant thrives in sun or partial shade. It tolerates sunny areas well and flowers abundantly with at least 4-5 hours of direct light. It can survive in partial shade but with less vigorous flowering.

Soil

Well-drained, light soil is ideal. Shepherd's purse tolerates poor, rocky or silty soils. It is not bothered by moderate acidity and adapts to infertile terrain where other plants struggle.

Pruning and maintenance

Pinch off the tips at the young stage to encourage branching. After the first flowering, you can cut back faded stems to stimulate new blooms. At the end of the season, leave some flowers to go to seed for natural reseeding.

Fertilizing

This plant is undemanding in nutrients. An application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowering.

Diseases and pests

Shepherd's purse is generally hardy. Watch for root rot if soil is too wet, and aphids which can colonize young shoots. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent most problems.

Did you know?

Shepherd's purse owes its common name to the characteristic shape of its siliques (flat, heart-shaped fruits) which resemble the small leather pouches that shepherds once carried. This hardy plant has conquered all continents and now ranks among the world's most widespread weeds, while also boasting a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.