Caucasian Penny-Cress 'Forest Snow'

A woodland wonder with low mounds of green foliage and dainty, lasting corymbs of, brilliant white blooms through winter and spring. Pollinators love the blooms and the plants are a brilliant choice for growing win woodland gardens, beneath deciduous trees or hard to fill shade. The bright white blooms are perfect for brightening up shaded areas and look amazing en masse.

The stems gradually form a mat of foliage, they are by no means race horses. The new, scalloped leaves have a lovely sheen, that becomes more matte with age. The leaves grow 2.5-10cm long. They will persist over winter, but an early spring prune will allow the new leaves to shine. The flowers are followed by ornamental, heart shaped, green fruits. Good in combination with spring flowering bulbs that grow in woodland conditions such as mini daffodils, crocus or Erythronium. The flowers are edible.

Plant in part to full shade, think ferns and Hostas in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Water in well, it takes plants 4-6 wks for their roots to penetrate the surrounding soil and gain access to its nutrients and hydration. It is dry tolerant once established. Tends to rot in boggy soils. Good news for many, rabbit and deer don’t seem interested in this plant. Fully hardy to frost. Will suppress weeds as they grow. They form clumps and will self seed, spreading gradually and if unwanted, seedlings can be shared or easily removed.

Pachyphragma macrophyllum is commonly known as Caucasian Penny Cress, Syn. Thlaspi macrophyllumn It is native to the woodlands of Turkey and NE Caucasus.