Aubrieta deltoidea (Rock Cress)

Vigorous and eye-catching, Aubrieta deltoidea (Rock Cress) is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial plant that produces delightful, vivid purple-red flowers in mid-late spring to early summer. The blossoms are so abundant that they almost completely cover the gray-green foliage below, creating a striking scenery. Aubrieta excels as ground cover, low and trailing, planted between stepping stones, along pathways, or in the crevices of stone walls. Easy care, Aubrieta is perfectly suited as a rock garden plant where it will reward you with a long-lasting carpet of delicate flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, Aubrieta is a very cold hardy alpine plant that deserves a spot in sunny gardens.

• Grows up to 4-9 in tall (10-22 cm) tall with a spread of 1-2 ft (30-60 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade but thrives best in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but prefers rocky, sandy, dry spots. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for banks and slopes, beds and borders, garden edging, ground cover, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
• Watch for aphids, flea beetles, or white blister
• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but deer resistant!
• Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings. Species can be propagated by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in fall or spring
• Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a compact form

There are many interesting Aubrieta cultivars: