Aubrietia – Plants and seeds
Aubrietia are a great low growing plant for rockeries and other areas. Aubrietia is sometimes referred to as ‘Purple Rock Cress’ or ‘False Wall Cress’. Reaching around 15cm in height this ground covering plant is well suited to the rock garden, but also useful in other parts of the garden. Aubrietia grows well in full sun to part shade. A humus rich soil is best. Aubrietia is a spring flowering perennial
Aubrieta deltoidea is perhaps the best known or around 12 species, this is the purple flowering Rock Cress seen widely in rock gardens. Covered in flowers in early spring to summer.
Care and growing conditions
These are originally a Mediterranean plant, they do like sun and a well drained soil. Try a humus rich soil and a position in full sun to part shade, protection from hot afternoon sun is advisable.
During the first season water well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser throughout the summer. Once established plants can be pruned back after flowering to help maintain shape and a compact form.
Propagation is by division of established clumps or for the patient gardener, from seed sown in early spring.
Species include : Aubrieta deltoidea or Purple Rock Cress, Aubrieta deltoidea ‘Red Cascade’, Aubrieta cultorum ‘Blue Cascade’, Aubrieta gracilis.
