Pachyphragma macrophyllum (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade (shade in the summer)
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Brassicaceae
Pachyphragma macrophyllum is a semi evergreen herbaceous perennial with a spreading habit. Its dark green leaves are ovate to rounded with scalloped margins. Its leaves become purple tinted in winter Its white flowers are up to 15mm across and appear on erect stems above its leaves. Its roots are stolons which aids its slow spread.
Pachyphragma macrophyllum Flower (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Pachyphragma macrophyllum, commonly known as Caucasian Penny Cress or Pachyphragma, is native form Turkey to Iran. In its native habitat it grows in damp deciduous woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pachyphragma is derived from the Greek pachys meaning ‘thick’ and phragma, meaning ‘screen’, in reference to its fruit structure. Macrophyllum is derived from the Latin macro term meaning ‘large’ and phyllus meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Pachyphragma macrophyllum useful as a low growing weed suppressing ground cover plant. It is suitable for planting under deciduous tree where it receives dappled sun during its active growth period in spring. Once established the perennial is drought tolerant.
Pachyphragma macrophyllum Leaf (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Pachyphragma macrophyllum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Pachyphragma macrophyllum prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate dry soils.
Pachyphragma macrophyllum requires little maintenance.
