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AUBRIETA deltoidea 'Leichtlinii'

Image of Aubrieta deltoidea 'Leichtlinii'

Jesse Saylor

Family

Brassicaceae

Botanical Name

AUBRIETA deltoidea 'Leichtlinii'

Plant Common Name

Leichtlin's Rockcress, Purple Rockcress

General Description

The brilliant purple-red blooms of Leitchlin’s rockcress will add umph to any sunny border in need of a color boost. This mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial becomes clothed in flowers in spring to early summer. Its blooming period lasts for an average of three weeks, sometimes even a month. The glowing flowers and play beautifully against its fuzzy green mats of foliage. Purple rockcress originates from regions in the eastern Mediterranean to Iran where it is adapted to alpine locales.

Sunny locations with fertile, neutral to alkaline, well-draining soil are preferred. It should be watered regularly before and after blooming but can be allowed to get a little drier later in the season. This perennial does not divide easily and is best left alone to spread and flourish. Rockcress is short-lived in gardens with hot summers but thrives in areas with cool or moderate summers. Propagate by seed or cuttings.

This true alpine looks best in sunny rock or alpine gardens, between stepping stones or cascading from chinks in stone walls. It looks great interplanted with short species tulips, like the raspberry pink Tulipa humulis and golden apricot Tulipa batalanii. This cultivar is slightly smaller than the species, so expect a smaller spread than your average rockress.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 7

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    2"-6" / 5.1cm - 15.2cm

  • Width

    10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Mediterranean, Iran

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Mat-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Purple

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Gray 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

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes