Rock Cress Plants

Aubrieta is a low, evergreen perennial genus valued for mats of small foliage and a colorful spring display. The plants suit sunny rock gardens, gravel edges, retaining walls, and containers where drainage is sharp and their spreading habit can soften stone. ## Form and seasonal interest Aubrieta forms a slowly spreading mound or mat, generally around 4 inches tall; width depends on species or selection and can extend to roughly 20 inches. Short spikes of four-petaled flowers appear in shades including purple, pink, and white, usually from mid-spring into early summer. Small leaves are often hairy and gray-green. This genus-level record does not specify a cultivar, so flower color and exact dimensions vary among plants sold under this broad name. ## Siting and soil Give plants full sun for the strongest flowering, with light shade tolerated. Use well-drained soil; many selections perform well in chalky or alkaline conditions and are useful on dry banks and wall crevices. Avoid persistently wet soil, especially in winter. Established plants tolerate dry spells, though prolonged heat and drought can cause stress; water during extended dry weather. ## Maintenance Trim lightly after flowering to keep mats compact and remove spent growth. Divide or take cuttings if a planting becomes sparse or needs renewal. Watch for aphids, flea beetles, eelworms, and white blister where locally troublesome. ## Colorado CSU/CSFS 2025 source The [July 2025 Ignition-Resistant Landscape Plants guide](https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_IRLP_2025_081825-2_web_accessible.pdf) lists Aubrieta spp. in its non-native low-water flowers and groundcovers table and assigns ignitability score 8. In this system, 10 is least ignitable. This is the corresponding genus-level record; the table does not establish independent testing of every species or named cultivar. For this source row, water needs are medium, the site is sun, approximate height is 1 foot, and the stated elevation range is 5-9 thousand feet. These are the guide's example conditions, not universal dimensions or care requirements for every member of the genus. Keep plants appropriately watered, remove dead material, preserve spacing and avoid fuel connections. No plant is fireproof; use the guide's placement and maintenance instructions.