Description
Arabis – Rock Cres
There are over 120 species of annuals and evergreen perennials form rocky or mountains areas of Europe, Asia, and North America, in this genus. They’re erect or mat or cushion forming species reaching about 3’ feet tall. They spreads by short rhizomes. From often a woody-based stem they bear simple, toothed or smooth edged and sometimes hairy, spatula shaped leaves. In spring and summer it bears cross shaped 4 petaled white to purple flowers are borne in racemes 1 ¼-3” long. Great in a rock garden, wall or crevices.
Easily grown in any well-drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate hot dry conditions and poor infertile soils. Trim after flowering. They can be divided.
Prone to white rust, downy mildew, rust, aphids, and Arabis midge occur.
Arabis blepharophylla – California Rock Cress – This moderately frost hardy mat or cushion forming evergreen form California is short lived and grows 4” tall and spreads to about 8” wide. It produces loose rosettes of egg shape toothed dark green leaves that are 1 ¼-2” long with gray hairy edges. In late spring and early summer it bears compact racemes of scented deep-purple flowers ½” wide. Dislikes winter moisture.
Zones 6-9
