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
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
5, 6, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
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Width
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
North America, United States, Western United States, California
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes