Arabis caucasica
Arabis caucasica
Caucasian rockcress
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Taxonomy
Family Brassicaceae · Genus Arabis
Description
Arabis caucasica, or Caucasian rockcress, is a cheerful, mat-forming perennial that smothers itself in white blooms each spring. It cascades beautifully over walls and rock edges, thrives in sun and lean, well-drained soil, and asks for little more than a post-bloom trim to stay tidy.
Common Names
Caucasian rockcressRock cressWall rockcressMountain rockcressGarden arabis
Context
nativeRegion
Caucasus, southeastern Europe, and western Asia on rocky slopes and alpine habitats.
usdaZones
4-8
companionPlants
Aubrieta deltoidea (Aubretia), Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft), Phlox subulata (Creeping phlox), Alyssum saxatile (Basket-of-gold), Sedum spp., Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Armeria maritima (Sea thrift), Thymus serpyllum (Creeping thyme)
culturalUses
Widely used in rock gardens, wall and path edging, and to cascade over stones; early nectar source for pollinators; helps with erosion control on slopes.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light shade; 6+ hours of direct sun for best bloom.
WateringWater regularly the first season; afterward let the top inch dry between waterings. Avoid soggy conditions; drought tolerant once established.
SoilSharp-draining, gritty or sandy soil; lean to moderately fertile; neutral to slightly alkaline. Avoid heavy, wet clays.
FertilizerLight feeder. Mix in compost at planting; optional light, low-nitrogen feed in early spring. Too much fertilizer reduces flowering.
HumidityPrefers average to low humidity with good air circulation; avoid prolonged dampness around the crown.
TemperatureHardy roughly to -30°F (-34°C) depending on cultivar; best growth 45–75°F (7–24°C). Can struggle in hot, humid summers without excellent drainage.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLow, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial.
Mature Size6–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide (15–30 × 30–60 cm).
Growth RateModerate to fast spreader.
BloomingProfuse white, four-petaled flowers in early to mid-spring; occasional light rebloom if sheared after flowering.
DormancyEvergreen to semi-evergreen; slows growth in winter and may partially die back in severe cold.
Propagation
MethodsDivision, Stem cuttings (softwood/basal), Seed (cold stratified), Layering
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonDivide or take basal cuttings in late spring after bloom; sow seeds in fall or late winter after stratification; layer in spring to summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningShear back by about one-third right after flowering to keep compact and encourage fresh foliage; deadhead spent stems.
RepottingIn containers, refresh soil and upsize every 2–3 years in spring; ensure excellent drainage.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free; possible aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms, and slugs/snails on young growth. Crown/root rot in poorly drained or wet winter soils; occasional powdery mildew.
ToxicityConsidered non-toxic to people and pets.
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