This compact evergreen perennial sprouts bright purple-blue flowers from late spring into early summer. Hardy throughout the UK down to -20°C.
The Rock Cress loves to grow and spread, overflowing containers, covering walls and brightening up rockeries thanks to its love of well-draining soil. With bright green foliage that will keep its colour and vibrancy year-round, and colourful flowers that decorate your summer garden, what's not to love? Give it plenty of sun and make sure it doesn't sit soggy and you won't go far wrong here.
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Evergreen perennial
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Flower: mat forming
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Flowers April to July, foliage year-round
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Scientific Name
Aubrieta deltoidea 'Blaumeise' (Aubriet's triangular plant, cultivar: blue tit)
Common Name
Rock Cress, Purple Rock Cress, False Rock Cress
Origin
This species of Rock Cress is native to Greece, Turkey, Crete and islands in the East Aegean.
Pruning Tips
As the flowers fade, deadhead them to encourage longer blooming. Trim the foliage back after it's flowered if you want to maintain a compact shape, or train it in a certain direction.
Wildlife Value
On the RHS' Plants for Pollinators list, the blooms on this one will be popular with your local bees and butterflies
Positioning
Your rock cress will thrive in full sun, but can handle a light shade if needed. Grows well whether sheltered from or exposed to wind.
Water
Water in dry weather - this plant doesn't like its soil to sit soggy at all but this means it will dry out quickly when the weather's hot.
Soil
A well-draining soil is essential here - don't use anything clay-based. Neutral to alkaline pH preferred. This plant is happy growing in rocks or in containers so can deal with very little soil.
Food
Fine without extra feeding - it will appreciate if there's some nutrients in the soil it's planted in though.
Pet-safe
Yes - no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!
Sprouts Top Tips
The centre of the mat may become woody rather than green in time - when you notice this happening, you can propagate the plant by rooting a stem cutting, and then planting out the new one - which will then stay vibrant and can replace the balding patch in the original.
