These woodland perennials understandably do better in light shade, in a soil with a little extra moisture, especially in winter & spring, when in growth. They have a nature which is a mixture of refinement and gutsy. Foliage can be attractively divided, or simple, evergreen or deciduous. The herbaceous species are likely to disappear and go dormant in summer. The evergreens, will need some water in summer. Flowers are very typical of its Brassicaceae family, 4-petalled, arranged in a cross shape, equal in size. Colours normally purple-pink to white, but with some yellow species.
Non-double forms have nectar and pollen that attract a range of invertebrates, including spring butterflies, bee-flies and beetles. The native species, indeed probably all species, are larval food-plants for two of our 'non-cabbage' whites, green-veined white and the gorgeous orange-tip, one of THE sights of spring for many people. Many a happy hour can been spent searching for the bright yellow or orange eggs laid singly on the flower-stalks! One non-native, C. raphanifolia, is currently spreading along watercourses in some part of the country, creating concern for natural habitats, so steps should be taken stop this escaping the confines of gardens.