A low growing evergreen perennial which forms a mat of blue-purple flowers in spring. Ideal for the front of a border or tumbling over a wall. Height 10cm. Spread 40cm. Full sun, moist, well drained soil. Hardy.
Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ is a delightful low-growing perennial that forms a vibrant carpet of blue-purple flowers in spring. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ thrives in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ is in early spring. This allows the plant to establish strong roots before the growing season begins, ensuring a healthy, vibrant display of flowers.
Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in autumn. This gives your Aubrieta time to settle in before the colder months, promoting early growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Aubrieta flourishes in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will encourage healthy growth and an abundance of beautiful flowers.
Soil: Aubrieta prefers moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Adding compost to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This gives the roots plenty of space to spread out and establish themselves.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance both its fertility and drainage. Aubrieta thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which supports vibrant growth and abundant blooms.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down lightly to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root problems.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Aubrieta is drought-tolerant and will only need watering during prolonged dry spells. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent overwatering.
Dormant Season: During winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes exceptionally dry.
Feeding
Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage healthy new growth and vibrant flowers.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help to sustain growth and promote continued blooming throughout the season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from your Aubrieta. Deadheading encourages a longer flowering period and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares the plant for dormancy and promotes healthier growth in the following year.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic materials such as bark chips or compost are ideal for mulching.
Winter: Mulch also helps protect the roots during colder months, preventing frost heaving and ensuring your Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ survives until the next growing season.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ is a compact, mat-forming plant with a low-growing habit, so it typically does not require staking. However, if planted on a slope or over a wall, ensure the plant has adequate support to prevent it from tumbling too far.
Final Tips
Aubrieta ‘Kitte Blue’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds a splash of colour to any garden. Plant it in full sun, in well-drained soil, and provide it with occasional feeding and pruning to ensure a vibrant display of blue-purple flowers each spring. By following these simple care tips, your Aubrieta will thrive year after year, creating a beautiful groundcover or trailing over walls and borders.
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