Pachyphragma macrophyllum, giant spring brassica
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Perennials

Pachyphragma macrophyllum

giant spring brassica

BrassicaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Width18–30 inches (45–75 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Pachyphragma macrophyllum is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial in the family Brassicaceae, native to moist, shaded forest floors and woodland margins in Turkey and the Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan). It is a monotypic genus — the sole species — and an underused but valuable plant for Pacific Northwest shade gardens, offering early white flowers, bold foliage, and surprising tolerance of dry shade once established. Plants form basal rosettes of large, glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves on long petioles, reaching 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall, with the bold, somewhat leathery foliage remaining attractive through most of the year. In late winter to early spring — often as early as February in mild Pacific Northwest gardens — branching stems bear loose corymbs of small, four-petaled white flowers resembling candytuft, produced in abundance over three to four weeks. The species naturalizes readily in suitable conditions by self-seeding, gradually forming colonies in shaded, humus-rich soil. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens.

Native Range

Native to moist, shaded deciduous and mixed forest floors, woodland margins, and stream banks in northeastern Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (the Caucasus region), growing in deep, humus-rich, moist soils in partial to full shade at low to mid elevations. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Pachyphragma macrophyllum is an exceptional but underused groundcover perennial for Pacific Northwest shade and woodland gardens, combining bold, glossy foliage with very early white flowers — one of the first large-leaved perennials to bloom in late winter. The large, lustrous basal leaves provide a satisfying textural contrast to fine-textured ferns and grasses throughout the growing season. Plant in generous sweeps under deciduous trees or alongside Helleborus, Epimedium, and Polygonatum in the shaded border. The early white flowers are a valuable nectar source for early-season pollinators when little else is in bloom. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens.

How to Identify

Pachyphragma macrophyllum is identified by its basal rosette of large, glossy, dark green, kidney-shaped to heart-shaped leaves on long petioles — the largest leaves typically 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across with a distinctly shiny, slightly leathery surface and finely toothed margins. In late winter and early spring, branching stems 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall bear flattened corymbs of small four-petaled white flowers resembling candytuft. After flowering, flat, oval, winged seed pods develop on the stems. The combination of large, glossy, heart-shaped basal leaves and early white corymb flowers is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Spring
Pachyphragma macrophyllum blooms in late winter to early spring, typically February through April in Pacific Northwest lowland gardens, with peak flowering in March. Loose, branching corymbs of small, four-petaled white flowers are borne above the foliage on stems 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall over three to four weeks. The flowers are followed by flat, rounded, papery seed pods that are moderately decorative. In mild Pacific Northwest winters, flowering can begin as early as late January. The bold, glossy foliage is attractive from spring through autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Small, white, four-petaled, in branching corymbs above the foliage

Foliage Description

Large, glossy, dark green, kidney-shaped to heart-shaped on long petioles; finely toothed margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil. Pachyphragma macrophyllum tolerates dry shade better than most shade perennials once established, making it particularly valuable under established trees. In Pacific Northwest gardens it thrives in typical woodland garden conditions. Water well during the first two seasons while establishing; thereafter it requires little irrigation in positions with partial shade. Mulch with leaf mold or bark compost to retain moisture and improve soil structure over time. Allow seed pods to mature if self-seeding to naturalize a colony is desired; remove pods before they shatter if spread is not wanted. Division is rarely needed; the plant establishes best when left undisturbed.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems after blooming if seed pods are not desired. Remove any damaged or untidy leaves in early spring before new growth expands. The plant is generally tidy and requires minimal maintenance. If the colony spreads more than desired, remove self-sown seedlings in spring while still small. No regular pruning is required.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic