Arabis – A Tough Evergreen Rock Cress
Arabis, commonly known as Rock Cress, is a clump-forming perennial that makes an excellent rockery plant and evergreen ground cover. These are a tough group of low-growing plants that are perhaps underused in many gardens despite their versatility and easy-care nature.
The variegated forms are particularly attractive, with green foliage highlighted by pale cream margins or splashes that provide year-round interest, even when the plants are not in flower.
We have been growing the cultivar Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii ‘Variegata’, pictured above, for many years. Maintenance is limited to pruning away a few wayward shoots each summer, otherwise it has proved to be a very well-behaved plant in our garden.
Although Arabis produces masses of flowers in spring, it is really the evergreen foliage that provides the greatest attraction for most gardeners.
Grow it near the front of the garden border, allow it to spill over retaining walls, use it in rockeries, or plant it in containers to underplant taller shrubs.
Arabis Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Arabis species
- Common Name: Rock Cress
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
- Height: 10–20 cm
- Spread: 30–60 cm
- Flowers: Usually white, with some pink forms available
- Flowering: Late winter through spring
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Humus-rich and well-drained
- Best Uses: Rockeries, edging, ground cover, retaining walls and containers
How to Grow Arabis
All Arabis grow well in a humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water plants regularly until they become established, after which they require very little additional care.
Although they will tolerate light shade, flowering is generally best when grown in a sunny position.
Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils, particularly during winter, as these can shorten the life of the plant.
Care and Maintenance
One of the attractions of Arabis is how little maintenance it requires.
Light pruning after flowering, or simply removing a few wayward shoots during summer, will keep plants neat, compact and bushy. Older clumps can also be lightly trimmed to encourage fresh foliage.
An annual application of compost or a light mulch around the plant will help maintain healthy growth while conserving soil moisture.
Why Grow Arabis?
Arabis is valued for its neat evergreen foliage, low-growing habit and ability to thrive with very little attention. It provides colour throughout the year, followed by a mass of spring flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects.
Uses in the Garden
Rock Cress is ideal for:
- Rockeries
- Gravel gardens
- Garden edging
- Cottage gardens
- Between paving stones
- Retaining walls
- Containers and planter boxes
- Underplanting roses and shrubs
Its spreading habit softens hard edges and provides attractive evergreen foliage throughout the year.
Popular Arabis Varieties
- Arabis caucasica ‘Flore Pleno’ – Beautiful double white flowers on a reliable, easy-care plant.
- Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’ – One of the most popular cultivars, producing masses of white flowers in spring.
- Arabis procurrens ‘Variegata’ – Attractive cream-variegated foliage with white spring flowers.
- Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii ‘Variegata’ – A long-lived evergreen variety grown mainly for its attractive variegated foliage.
- Arabis lucida – A compact rock garden plant reaching around 15 cm, producing lovely white flowers in early spring.
Where to Buy
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arabis evergreen?
Most commonly grown Arabis varieties are evergreen, providing attractive foliage throughout the year.
When does Rock Cress flower?
Most varieties flower from late winter through spring, producing masses of white flowers above the foliage.
Does Arabis spread?
Yes. Arabis gradually forms a spreading clump, making it an excellent low-maintenance ground cover without becoming invasive.
Can Arabis be grown in pots?
Yes. Its compact growth habit makes it well suited to containers, window boxes and raised planters where the foliage can spill gently over the edges.