A native of the Caucasus, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), along with radish, broccoli, and cabbage. It forms broad mounds of cabbage-like wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves that are fleshy and usually deeply lobed. In late spring or early summer, sturdy branched stems arise carrying large clouds of small, white, flowers with four petals and sweet fragrance. This large baby’s breath-like cloud of flowers stands high over the leaf mound and lasts about three weeks. Self seeds but may be short-lived; does not transplant well.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Masses of small white fragrant four-petaled flowers on widely branched stems in late spring or early summer
Size: 4-10′ H x 3-6′ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade
Soil: Fertile, medium-moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline;. tolerates lean soil
Care: Cut to the ground in autumn; stake in spring if necessary
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Pests and Diseases: Caterpillars, slugs, flea beetles, club root
Propagation: Seed sown immediatey after ripening; 4-6″ long root cuttings in winter, division spring
Companion Plants:Roses, lililes, lupines
Karen Meyers