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ARABIS blepharophylla

Image of Arabis blepharophylla

Jesse Saylor

Family

Brassicaceae

Botanical Name

ARABIS blepharophylla

Plant Common Name

Rose Rockcress

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Fragrant and dainty, the rosy purple flowers of the rose rockcress appear above the compact green foliage in late spring. A short-lived, evergreen, tuft-forming perennial that is native only (endemic) to the central and northern of California, it grows in gritty soils and is salt-tolerant.

The oval leaves have small teeth and are a satiny green, often with tiny white hairs on the margins. In late spring, short stalks carry clusters of tiny flowers that will attract butterflies. These blooms are a rosy-violet to pink-fuchsia in color, being very vibrant against the lush green leaf background. It will gently reseed itself, replacing plants naturally as conditions allow.

Grow rose rockcress in full sun (but partial shade in hot summer regions) in a gritty, well-draining soil of average or low fertility. Water it freely while in bloom and growth, sparingly or not at all in the wintertime. It is exceptional for seaside cottage gardens or as an accent or groundcover in rockeries; container culture also suits it. Select cultivars of this species while in bloom so that you can find the most pleasing flower shade. For example 'Spring Charm' ('Fruhlingszauber') has fuchsia-violet blooms, ' Red Sensation' petals are magenta-fuchsia, and 'Rose Delight' with rosy-fuchsia flowers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    5, 6, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Width

    4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    North America, United States, Western United States, California

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes