A compact, mat-forming evergreen perennial with iridescent blue flowers over soft grey-green foliage in spring. Height 10cm. Spread 40cm. Full sun, moist, well drained soil. Hardy.
Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ is a beautiful, compact, evergreen perennial that produces iridescent blue flowers over soft grey-green foliage in spring. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for borders, containers, and even cascading over walls. Follow this guide to ensure your Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ thrives in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ is during the spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the flowering season, ensuring strong growth and vibrant blooms.
Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn, which allows the plant to settle before winter dormancy, giving it a head start for the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny spot will encourage strong growth and promote its stunning spring display.
Soil: Choose a well-drained, moist soil for your Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’. This perennial prefers soil that is not waterlogged, so ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. If needed, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to enhance its fertility.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is roughly twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball. This gives the roots plenty of space to spread and establish.
Soil Preparation: Mix in compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve its structure, making it well-drained yet moisture-retentive. This will provide a nurturing environment for your Aubrieta.
Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it down to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the planting site drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Aubrieta is relatively drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it may lead to root rot.
Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Aubrieta requires minimal moisture during this time.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and vibrant blue flowers.
Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help to maintain its vigour and keep the plant blooming.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from your Aubrieta. This helps to prolong the blooming period, keeps the plant looking tidy, and encourages more flowers to bloom.
Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms fade in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level to prepare it for winter dormancy. This will encourage healthier growth the following spring.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ in spring. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Winter: In colder months, add a light mulch around the plant to protect its roots from frost and to ensure the plant survives until the next growing season.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ typically grows compact and low, so it does not usually need staking. However, if planted in exposed areas, consider staking to prevent damage from strong winds or heavy rain.
Final Tips
Aubrieta ‘Royal Blue’ is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial that will add a burst of blue colour to your garden. By planting it in full sun and well-drained soil, and by following these care instructions, you can enjoy a beautiful and hardy ground cover with vibrant spring blooms. Perfect for borders, containers, or tumbling over walls, Aubrieta will enhance your outdoor space year after year.
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