Caucasian rockcress
arabis caucasica
Also known as: ["Rock cress","Wall cress"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with fragrant, white flowers, native to the Caucasus region.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Arabis |
| Botanical Name: | Arabis caucasica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, border fronts, or as ground cover in sunny to partially shaded areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, gritty soil with organic matter; suitable for rock gardens or alpine conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove spent flowers and leggy stems without drastically cutting back the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize morning watering to reduce evaporation.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 80°F; prefers cool to moderate conditions.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in early spring before flowering; use a balanced formula to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are best for new plants, while division is ideal for mature clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plants are actively growing but not in peak heat.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture until roots develop.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 3–4 weeks; division establishes in 1–2 months; mature plants can bloom the following spring.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers with clean shears; trim back leggy stems to promote fuller growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead after flowering; trim leggy growth; avoid cutting into old wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or crowded roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose a slightly larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Apply water directly to the root zone until it reaches a depth of 6–8 inches; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to minimize fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may experience root damage or dieback in temperatures below -30°F; frost can damage tender new growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold; choose hardy cultivars for colder regions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt in prolonged heat; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to keep roots cool; improve air circulation around plants.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Arabis prefers lean soil; discontinue fertilizing in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Arabis caucasica. The glucosinolates in the plant can irritate the digestive tract, but severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Arabis caucasica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of glucosinolates. The effects are typically transient and resolve without long-term health consequences.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicArabis caucasica contains glucosinolates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort and is not considered life-threatening in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Caucasian rockcress?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Arabis caucasica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant flowers.
Q: Can Caucasian rockcress grow in shade?
A: Yes, it tolerates partial shade but thrives best in full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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