Aubrieta or Rock Cress ( Aubrieta cultorum ) is a low growing, perennial ground cover that originates from the southern mountains of Europe. It is an evergreen; however, it can die back in extreme heat or cold, but will quickly recover once the weather allows. The Genus’ name ‘Aubrieta’ is often misspelt as ‘Aubretia’ and many people commonly know and refer to it this way.
Aubrieta cultorum is truly beautiful when in full bloom during spring and grown in rock gardens or cascading over a garden wall. It is great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to the garden in early spring. The purple-coloured flowers of the species are what is available for sale in this listing.
Another common name for this species is False Rock Cress.
Our other Aubrieta varieties include Pink, Blue and Mixed.
Growth
This species is a perennial in cold to temperate climates but can be grown as an annual in tropical climates. Aubrieta is a low growing plant that only reaches heights of around 5-10 cm’s and will cover an area of around ½ a metre.
The leaves are green all year round and its gorgeous tiny purple flowers create a blanket of purple from very early in spring. The plant prefers a full sun location but is happy in part shade, especially afternoon shade in areas with extreme summer heat. Quite drought tolerant once established.
Prune back in autumn – winter to encourage next seasons growth and keep the plant neat and tidy.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 38°C / -22 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining sandy soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
5-10 cm’s (2-4 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to ½ metre (1.6 foot)
pH:
6.0-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial. Annual in tropical regions
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees. Bisexual
MATURITY:
3 – 12 months depending on climate and sowing season
GERMINATION RATES:
68-84%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, flowers and leaves – cooked or raw.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT AUBRIETA CULTORUM (Rock Cress)
A French flower painter, Claude Aubriet was how this Genus got its name.
Aubrieta is native to alpine regions and can withstand strong cold winds and frost but will also happily grow in almost any other climate!
Aubrieta is popular for rock gardens, along pathways, for cascading over high garden walls and for showing off in hanging baskets and pots.
