Purple Rock Cress
aubrieta deltoidea
Also known as: ["Aubrieta gracilis","Aubrieta gracilis var. deltoidea"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with profuse clusters of bright purple flowers in spring, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Aubrieta |
| Botanical Name: | Aubrieta deltoidea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; Aubrieta dislikes wet or waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil; a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, immediately after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun promotes best flowering; morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun in hot regions; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline soil
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in spring and fall; tolerates light frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat and cold; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring before flowering; use a diluted solution if applying liquid fertilizer; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take 1–2 years to mature and flower.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; cut just above a leaf node or bud; shape the plant evenly.
Pruning Plan
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; remove dead or weak stems; shape the plant evenly; sterilize tools before and after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme temperatures.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and blooming.
Checklist
Choose the right time; use fresh soil; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in summer and fall; minimal watering in winter unless conditions are exceptionally dry.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting or drooping leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf discoloration in prolonged cold; reduced flowering in suboptimal temperatures.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf drop; can survive light frost but prolonged cold may damage roots or stems.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; roots can suffer from heat stress in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply and mulch to keep roots cool; avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid over-fertilization; stop feeding in summer and winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue feeding during summer and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAubrieta deltoidea is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAubrieta deltoidea is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAubrieta deltoidea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Aubrieta deltoidea?
A: It can be propagated by seeds sown in spring or by taking cuttings in early summer.
Q: Does Purple Rock Cress attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Aubrieta deltoidea?
A: It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and is tolerant of poor, rocky soils.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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