Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aubrieta deltoidea (Rock Cress)

Rock Cress, False Rockcress, Lilacbush, Rainbow Rockcress, Alyssum Deltoideum


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. Low and trailing, Aubrieta excels as ground cover, 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: 

  • 'Aurea Variegata' - bright gold and green variegated leaves topped with blue-violet flowers. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm)
  • 'Barker’s Double' - showy double blue-purple blooms. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm)
  • 'Bob Sanders' - large double reddish-purple flowers. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm)
  • Campbellii’ - double pinkish-purple blooms. Up to 6 in tall (15 cm)
  • 'Carnival' - large purple blooms. Up to 6 in tall (15 cm)
  • 'Dr. Mules' - rich violet-blue flowers. Award of Garden Merit. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm)
  • 'J. S. Baker' - blue-purple flowers surrounding a white heart. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm) 
  • 'Purple Cascade' - deep purple to mauve flowers. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm) 
  • 'Red Carpet' - bright deep purplish-red flowers. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm) 
  • 'Red Cascade' - strong grower with deep magenta-red flowers. Award of Garden Merit. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm) 
  • 'Variegata' - dark purple, violet-blue, pink or white flowers and gray-green leaves with creamy margins. Up to 4 in tall (10 cm) 
  • 'Whitewall Gem' - purple to violet-blue flowers. Up to 6 in tall (15 cm)

Buy Aubrieta deltoidea (Rock Cress)

Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 7
Heat Zones 5 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 9" (10cm – 22cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers

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Botanik Foto, Rowena, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 7
Heat Zones 5 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 9" (10cm – 22cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers

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