Aubrieta, also known as Rock Cress, is a delightful perennial that produces a cascade of colourful flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, or ground covers. Follow this planting guide for successful establishment and vibrant blooms in your garden.

Selecting the Planting Site

Sunlight Requirements: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Aubrieta thrives in well-lit areas.

Soil Conditions: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH. Ensure the soil is not too heavy or waterlogged.

Planting Time

Optimal Timing: Plant Aubrieta in early spring or Autumn. These seasons offer moderate temperatures, allowing the plant to establish well.

Planting Process

Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, incorporating organic matter like compost for improved fertility.

Spacing: Space Aubrieta plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding.

Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth it was in the nursery container. Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plants establish a strong root system.

Moderate Watering: Once established, Aubrieta is relatively drought tolerant. Water when the soil is dry to the touch but avoid waterlogging.

Mulching

Minimal Mulching: Aubrieta doesn’t require heavy mulching. A light layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilisation

Light Feeding: Aubrieta generally doesn’t need heavy fertilisation. A balanced, slow-release fertilier in spring is usually sufficient.

Support

Generally Unnecessary: Aubrieta is a low-growing plant that typically doesn’t require staking or additional support.

Pruning

Trimming After Bloom: Trim back spent flowers after the blooming period to encourage a neat appearance and potentially promote a second flush of blooms.

Autumn Clean Up: Tidy up the plants by removing any dead or yellowing foliage in late Autumn.

Pest and Disease Management

Good Air Circulation: Plant with sufficient spacing to encourage good air circulation, minimising the risk of fungal diseases.

Watch for Aphids: Monitor for aphids, especially during the growing season. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Winter Care

Cold Hardiness: Aubrieta is generally cold hardy, but in harsh climates, provide some winter protection by applying a light layer of mulch.

Adaptation

Rock Garden Specialist: Aubrieta excels in rock gardens. Adapt care practices based on your garden’s specific conditions and microclimates.

By following this guide, you’ll create an ideal environment for Aubrieta to flourish and showcase its colourful blooms. Adapt care based on your specific growing conditions and enjoy the charming beauty that Aubrieta brings to your landscape.

Congratulations on cultivating the vibrant Aubrieta (Rock Cress) in your garden! Proper aftercare is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of these resilient perennials. Follow this guide for effective post-planting care:

Watering

Establishment Period: During the first growing season, continue to water regularly to ensure the plants establish a robust root system.

Moderate Watering: Once established, Aubrieta is drought tolerant. Water when the soil is dry to the touch but be mindful not to overwater. Aim for moderate and consistent moisture.

Mulching

Minimal Mulching: While Aubrieta doesn’t require heavy mulching, maintain a light layer to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Mulch Renewal: Periodically replenish the mulch, especially in the spring, to keep it effective.

Fertilisation

Light Feeding: Aubrieta generally doesn’t demand frequent feeding. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually adequate.

Support

Generally Unnecessary: Aubrieta is a low-growing plant that typically doesn’t require staking or additional support.

Pruning

Trimming After Bloom: Trim back spent flowers after the blooming period to encourage a tidy appearance and potentially stimulate a second flush of blooms.

Autumn Clean up: In late Autumn, tidy up the plants by removing any dead or yellowing foliage.

Pest and Disease Management

Aphid Monitoring: Regularly inspect your Aubrieta for aphids, particularly during the growing season. Address any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing between plants to encourage good air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Winter Care

Cold Hardiness: Aubrieta is generally hardy, but in harsh winter climates, provide some protection by applying a light layer of mulch.

Avoid Waterlogging: Ensure the soil drains well during winter to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plants.

Division

Periodic Division: Every 3-4 years, consider dividing mature Aubrieta clumps to rejuvenate the plants. This is best done in early spring.

Adaptation

Rock Garden Specialist: Aubrieta excels in rock gardens. Be attentive to the specific growing conditions and microclimates of your garden, adapting care accordingly.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Observing Plant Health: Regularly check the overall health of your Aubrieta. Address any signs of stress, disease, or pest infestation promptly.

Adapt to Conditions: Adjust care practices based on the specific growing conditions in your garden, including sunlight exposure, soil type, and climate.

By following these aftercare tips, you’ll ensure that your Aubrieta plants continue to thrive, creating a colourful and lively display in your garden. Adapt these recommendations based on your specific growing conditions and the particular needs of the Aubrieta varieties you have cultivated. Enjoy the enduring beauty and resilience of these charming perennials!

While we strive to provide healthy plants, it’s essential to acknowledge that certain factors, particularly extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Events such as severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, high winds, or exceptionally heavy rainfall can impact the health of your Aubrieta.

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and regularly monitor local weather forecasts, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Protective Measures: Consider implementing protective measures during extreme conditions, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your Aubrieta plants. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

Limitations

Natural Variables: Aubrieta, like any living organism, is influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Aubrieta’s response to such conditions. Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

Customer Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that Aubrieta, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your Aubrieta plants, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

Email: info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to Aubrieta plants. Your understanding, proactive care, and prompt communication are key to ensuring the well-being of your garden.