A fast growing mat forming ground cover with masses of flower in spring, Aubrieta deltoidea grows well as a cascading plant.
Best planted where it can be allowed to tumble over a retains wall or garden edge it thrives in a humus rich well drained soil. In warmer climates it will thrive in morning sun and a little afternoon shade.
Once established this is a remarkable tough little plant that will give reliable colour year after year.
The name rock cress comes from its natural ability to grow in crevices on rock walls.
Varieties
It is the variety ‘Purple Cascade’ with its deeper coloured flowers that is most widely available
Care and Maintenance
This is a plant that naturally spread by rhizomes, it is easy to keep in check with a little pruning and removing any errant runners.
- Dig the soil over well or in a container use a good quality potting soil or compost.
- Plant in a humus rich well drained soil.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Top dress each year with some well rotted compost.
- Water during dry periods over spring to summer.
After the first flush of flowers, get the hedge clippers out and deadhead, you will normally get a good second flowering. This also keeps the plant in a tidy clump.
Top dress with some well rotted compost and a little lime over winter. If drainage is good and they are not subjected to very hot afternoon sun they can be long lived plants.
Propagation
This a plant that spreads by underground rhizomes, and this means that division is the easiest method of propagation. This can be done in late spring after flowering, or in winter.
Propagation from seed is best carried out in early spring, surface sow with a very light covering as these seeds need light to germinate. Keep moist and seeds should germinate in around 14 days.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Aubrieta deltoidea
- Common Name – False Rock Cress.
- Family – Brassicaceae
- Position – Dappled shade to sun.
- Soil – Well drained with some moisture. Tolerant of poor soils.
- Height – To around 10cms (3 inches).
- Spread – To around 40cm (16inches).
- Flowers – Purple to Mauve with four petals.
- Flowering time – Spring.
- Foliage – Mid to deep green and triangular in shape.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Medium
Aubrieta deltoidea is available for sale from the following nurseries
In Melbourne try –
GENTIANA NURSERY – 03 9751 2163
Olinda Monbulk Rd. Olinda.