Chinese violet cress (Orychophragmus violaceus)

Overview

Orychophragmus violaceus, widely recognized as Chinese violet cress, offers gardeners a unique combination of edible foliage and attractive summer flowers. Native to Eastern Asia, this versatile plant fits well into herb gardens or as a border accent, providing visual interest while yielding culinary rewards. Its growth habit results in plants reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, forming neat rosettes of rich green foliage.

The most striking aesthetic feature of Orychophragmus violaceus is its profusion of violet (lavender-pink to blue-lavender) cruciform flowers appearing between May and June. These blooms feature a contrasting bright yellow center, adding cheer to the early summer landscape. While valued ornamentally, this species is specifically cultivated in China as a vegetable, where stalks are harvested in the second year.

This herb needs reliable performance in the garden, generally rewarding growers with minimal fuss when its requirements are met. It reseeds readily in ideal conditions, potentially leading to self-sustaining patches of Chinese violet cress in well-suited climates. Understanding its specific hardiness range in USDA Zones 7 through 10 is crucial for its long-term success.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Brassicaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Eastern Asia
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Violet
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For successful cultivation, start Orychophragmus violaceus where it can receive full sun to light afternoon shade, though it is intolerant of heavy shade. The soil must be average, able to retain medium moisture, and offer excellent drainage. Where winter hardy (Zones 7-10), it is often best treated as a biennial, sowing seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer. Transplants should be moved to their final sunny nursery bed as soon as the second pair of leaves emerges.

Alternatively, gardeners can utilize Chinese violet cress as a winter annual. This involves sowing seed outdoors in the fall, directly into the ground if you are in a hardy zone, or into a cold frame if you are in a marginally hardy area. Starting seed indoors in late winter for planting outside after the last spring frost date is also an effective method.

Water needs are medium; ensure the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. Plants established in the garden will likely self-sow readily under optimum conditions, aiding in renewal. Be aware that these plants will not survive sustained winter temperatures below 20°F unless specially protected, such as by overwintering in a cold frame.

Landscape Uses

Chinese violet cress excels in functional areas of the garden where its dual personality as an herb and an ornamental can be appreciated. Planting it along the edge of herb gardens allows for easy access to the edible leaves and flowers, perfect for adding a peppery note to salads. Its 1 to 2-foot height makes it perfect for defining borders or filling areas along walkways.

This plant also performs well when grown in containers, especially when situated where its violet blooms can be easily observed up close. Orychophragmus violaceus works effectively as simple edging, contrasting nicely with lower-growing groundcovers or taller, contrasting foliage textures found in cottage-style plantings. Use its compact, mounding habit to soften hard edges in the landscape design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Orychophragmus violaceus, commonly called Chinese violet cress, is an annual or biennial member of the mustard family. It is native to roadsides, forests, fields, thickets, valleys, hillsides, sunny slopes and garden areas in central China. This plant is cultivated in China as a vegetable, with stalks typically harvested in the second year after flowering. Flowers and leaves are also edible and make tasty additions to salads. Plants typically grow to 1-2’ tall and as wide. Each plant features a basal rosette of reniform, pinnately-lobed, rich green to blue green leaves with dentate margins and cordate bases. Stems with much smaller leaves tend to trail as the plants increase in size. Violet (lavender-pink to blue-lavender) cruciform flowers bloom in terminal racemes at the stem and branch ends in summer. Each flower (to 1 3/4” diameter) has four spreading petals with a contrasting bright yellow center or eye. Synonymous with and formerly known as Arabis chanetii.Genus name comes from the Greek words oryche meaning pit and phragmos meaning septum in reference to the seed pods.Specific epithet means violet-colored.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

Gardeners will appreciate that Orychophragmus violaceus generally presents no serious insect or disease problems when cultural needs are met. Being a member of the Brassicaceae family, gardeners should be mindful of common brassica pests, although major outbreaks are uncommon. Proper cultural care, including well-drained soil and appropriate sun exposure, is the best preventative measure against stress-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Chinese violet cress suitable for?

Orychophragmus violaceus is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, though plants may require winter protection or overwintering in a cold frame when temperatures consistently drop below 20°F.

How large does Chinese violet cress grow?

This plant typically reaches a mature size with a height between 1 and 2 feet and a similar spread, forming a somewhat mounding habit, especially when allowed to trail slightly.

What sun exposure does Orychophragmus violaceus need?

Chinese violet cress prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; however, it is intolerant of deep or prolonged shade conditions.

When does Orychophragmus violaceus bloom?

The plant produces its showy violet flowers primarily from May through June, often featuring a bright yellow center in each bloom.

Conclusion

The Orychophragmus violaceus supplies the garden with early summer color and useful edible greens, making it a worthwhile addition for both aesthetic and culinary pursuits. This Chinese violet cress proves to be a low-hassle plant, provided it receives adequate sun and well-drained soil within its temperature tolerances. Before planting, ensure your location falls within Zones 7-10 or plan for winter protection to enjoy this unique member of the mustard family year after year.

Companion Planting

Selecting suitable companions enhances the garden environment for Chinese violet cress. Consider planting it near herbs that appreciate similar sun and moisture requirements, such as parsley or chives, to create a cohesive edible patch. For ornamental value, its mid-height structure works well when paired with low-growing annuals like Alyssum, which will brightly carpet the ground beneath the Orychophragmus violaceus rosettes.

Propagation Tips

Since Orychophragmus violaceus is easily grown as a biennial or annual, propagation is straightforward via seed. To grow it as a spring-sown biennial, sow seeds outdoors in late spring to early summer, ensuring seedlings are transplanted promptly after developing their second true leaves. If aiming for a winter annual crop, transplanting should occur after the last spring frost for overwintering in warmer zones, or seed can be sown directly in the fall where hardy.