How to grow and care for False Rock Cress plants
Aubrieta deltoidea
          
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Aubrieta is a vigorous growing, mat forming, semi-evergreen ground cover that is excellent as a rock garden plant.
It is also great for planting between stepping stones, along pathways, or in the crevices of stone walls.
False Rock Cress is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and will reward you with a long lasting cover of delicate flowers in early Spring.
Planting and Growing False Rock Cress
Aubrieta is a very cold hardy (USDA zone 4-9) alpine plant, native to the Mediterranean region.
It should be grown where it will receive full sun but will also grow well in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. |
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False Rock Cress should be planted 6" apart in a compost rich, well drained soil.
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Feed with an all purpose, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
After it has finished blooming late in spring or early summer, the foliage which should be trimmed back to maintain a compact form. This will also induce fresh leaf growth and may induce a summer rebloom.
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Propagating Aubrieta Plants
Divide clumps of False Rock Cress every 2 to 3 years in early spring.
Rock Cress seeds started outdoors should be sown directly on the surface of the soil in the early spring or late in the summer.
Sow seeds indoors 7-8 weeks before the last frost of spring.
Do not cover these tiny seeds, as they need light for germination.
Maintain a soil temperature of 55°-65° F.
Germination takes 8-15 days.
Young Aubrieta seedlings can be easily damaged by excess water, so bottom watering is strongly recommended.
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False Rock Cress
Aubrieta deltoidea
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