Lepidium draba, the whitetop or hoary cress, or Thanet cress, is a rhizomatous perennial flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to western Asia and southeastern Europe and widely introduced elsewhere.
Whitetop is fairly resistant to disease and typically does not suffer from illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment, though these problems are usually mild. For care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is needed to preserve a tidy appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Whitetop is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Cardaria Draba.
Light
Whitetop thrives with abundant sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate lower light levels, even sparse light, though that may lead to slower growth. Coming from habitats with plentiful sun, it has adapted to withstand a range of light intensities. Nevertheless, extreme light exposure can negatively affect its growth.
Temperature
Whitetop does best in cool temperate areas, preferring temperatures from 41 to 95 ℉ (5 to 35 ℃). It can tolerate warmer conditions in spring and summer but needs consistent moisture. In winter the plant may require protection from cold.
Fertilizer
One fertilizer application in spring is generally adequate for Whitetop, although several feedings can promote maximum growth. Feed about once every month to a month and a half. Fertilization improves the leaves' appearance and function, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and nutrient absorption, supporting long-term plant health.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cardaria
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 52 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.10 cm to 0.23 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Croatia, Morocco, Slovenia, Yemen, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Oman, Portugal, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Armenia, Greece, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Albania, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Kuwait, Turkmenistan
Other names.
