Description

Aubrieta – Aubretia – Rock Cress –

There are about 12 species of evergreen, mound or mat forming perennials, in this genus.  They occur in rocks and woodlands in Europe to Central Asia.  They usually grow to about 6” tall and bear small obovate to oblong, un-lobed, toothed, hairy mid green leaves.  It bears racemes of cross shaped, 4 petalled flowers in shades of purple in abundance in spring.  Great as ground cover or in a rock garden.

Their easily grown in cool temperate climates, in moderately fertile, well drained, neutral or alkaline soil in full sun or little shade.  Flowering is eratic in warm climates.  Cut back after flowering to maintain compactness.  They may be short lived where summer are hot.  Divide in autumn.

Prone to aphids, nematodes, flea beetles and white blister.

Aubrieta gracilis – This mat forming cultivar from Greece and Albania grows 3-4” tall.  It produces tiny, narrow, green leaves.  In summer it bears ½- ¾” wide purple flowers.

Zones 5-9