Learn about the Aubrieta Flower, how to grow it and why it’s great for rock gardens. Discover tips for caring for this colorful, low-growing plant that brightens up any garden.
Have you seen those pretty purple flowers that spread out like a carpet in spring? That’s probably Aubrieta. Let’s talk about this cool plant and how you can grow it in your garden.
Here’s the information chart for Aubrieta:
CategoryInformationBotanical NameAubrieta deltoideaCommon NameAubrieta, Rock CressPlant TypePerennialHardiness ZoneZones 4-9Sun ExposureFull sun to part shadeSoil TypeWell-draining, sandy or rocky soilWateringLow to moderateGrowth HabitSpreading, mat-formingHeight/SpreadHeight: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm); Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)Special FeaturesEarly spring bloomer, cascading habit, deer resistant
What is Aubrieta?
Aubrieta, also called Purple Rock Cress, is a small plant that grows low to the ground. It’s part of the mustard family, but don’t worry - it won’t taste like mustard! Aubrieta is loved for its bright flowers that come in purple, pink and sometimes white.
Why Gardeners Love Aubrieta
- **Easy to grow: **It doesn’t need much care.
- Spreads nicely: It covers the ground and looks great.
- **Flowers early: **You’ll see blooms in early spring.
- **Grows in tough spots: **It’s good for rocky areas.
Growing Aubrieta: What You Need to Know
- **Sun: **Aubrieta likes full sun or a little bit of shade.
- Soil: It grows best in well-draining soil. This means water shouldn’t sit on top of the soil.
- Water: Water it regularly when it’s young. Once it’s grown, it doesn’t need much water.
- Feeding: Give it some compost in spring to help it grow.
- Winter care: Aubrieta is tough and can handle cold winters.
Types of Aubrieta to Try
There are different kinds of Aubrieta you can grow:
- **Aubrieta ‘Axcent Deep Purple’: **Has dark purple flowers.
- **Aubrieta ‘Axcent Light Blue’: **Has light blue or lavender flowers.
- Aubrieta ‘Royal Red’: Has reddish-purple flowers.
How to Plant Aubrieta
You can plant Aubrieta in spring or fall. Here’s how:
- Choose a sunny spot with good soil drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s container.
- Put the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Fill in with soil and water well.
- Space plants about 6-12 inches apart.
Using Aubrieta in Your Garden
Aubrieta is great for:
- Rock gardens: It grows well between rocks.
- **Walls: **It can hang over walls for a pretty look.
- Borders: Use it at the front of flower beds.
- Ground cover: It spreads out to cover bare spots.
Taking Care of Aubrieta
Pruning: After it flowers, cut it back a bit to keep it neat.
**Dividing: **Every few years, you can split big plants to make new ones.
**Pests and Problems: **Aubrieta doesn’t have many problems, but watch out for:
- Slugs: They might eat the leaves. Use slug traps if needed.
- Too much water: Make sure the soil isn’t too wet.
Growing Aubrieta from Seeds
You can grow Aubrieta from seeds too:
- Plant seeds in small pots in spring or summer.
- Keep the soil damp but not soaking wet.
- Seeds will sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
- Move young plants to the garden when they’re big enough.
Fun Facts About Aubrieta
- Aubrieta is named after Claude Aubriet, a French painter.
- Bees and butterflies love Aubrieta flowers.
- In some places, Aubrieta can bloom twice a year.
Wrapping Up
Aubrieta is a great plant for any garden. It’s easy to grow, looks beautiful, and comes back year after year. Whether you have a big garden or just a small space, Aubrieta can add a splash of color. Try planting some this year and enjoy the pretty purple (or pink or white) flowers in spring!
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.