Alpine Pennycress
Noccaea caerulescens · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant alpine pennycress: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Blue calaminaria
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Mature height
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July, white or pale pink flowers
- Hardiness
- Zone 5 to 8, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
Care
Light exposure
Place the plant in full sun or partial shade to encourage compact growth and abundant flowering. It tolerates sunny locations well and benefits from at least 4 to 5 hours of direct daily light.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-draining, light, and even poor soil: this species adapts well to stony, sandy, or rocky substrates. Avoid overly rich soils that promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, the plant tolerates dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary if the soil is suitable. In pots, apply a very diluted balanced fertilizer in spring. Overfertilizing may unbalance the plant.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Light cleanup of dried foliage in late winter is sufficient. No structural pruning is required.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and seldom affected by diseases. Watch for excess moisture that could promote root rot. Chemical treatment is generally unnecessary.
Did you know?
Noccaea caerulescens is a natural hyperaccumulator of zinc and cadmium: it stores these heavy metals in its tissues without being harmed. Its small white or pink flowers have made it interesting for phytoremediation, a technique that uses plants to clean contaminated soils.
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
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- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.