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Aubrieta

Common name: Aubretia · Rock cress · False rockcress

Aubrieta is a genus of low, mat-forming evergreen perennials in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, from the Balkans to Anatolia and Iran. In spring the grey-green cushions are smothered in four-petalled flowers in shades of purple, violet, pink, and occasionally white. Gardeners grow aubrieta as groundcover, in rock gardens, and for spilling over walls and path edges, where its dense carpets of bloom are among the earliest and brightest of the season.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; tolerates light shade but flowers best in sun
Water Water to establish; drought-tolerant once rooted, avoid wet winter soil
Soil Gritty, sharply drained, neutral to alkaline; thrives in poor, stony ground
Hardiness Zones 4–9
Mature height 5–15 cm (2–6 in)
Pet safe Considered non-toxic; not listed as toxic to cats or dogs by the ASPCA
Propagation By division or softwood cuttings after flowering; also from seed

Fun facts

  • The genus is named after Claude Aubriet, an 18th-century French botanical artist who illustrated plants for Tournefort.
  • The spelling 'aubretia' is technically wrong but so widespread that it became the plant's standard common name.
  • Shearing the mats hard right after flowering keeps them compact and often triggers a lighter second flush of bloom.
  • Aubrieta flowers are classic mustard-family blossoms: four petals arranged in a cross, the shape that gave the old family name Cruciferae.

Common problems

    • Plant in gritty alkaline soil
    • Improve drainage before planting
    • Avoid waterlogged winter ground
    • Shear plants after blooming
    • Grow in full sun
    • Avoid rich nitrogen-heavy feeds
    • Blast aphids off with a strong water jet
    • Rub colonies off buds with fingers
    • Spray with insecticidal soap weekly
    • Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
    • Cut back hard after flowering
    • Thin out crowded growth
    • Water at soil level only