Aubretia, Lilacbush, False Rockcress
Aubrieta deltoidea
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Aubrieta deltoidea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Amongst rocks, mainly in hilly areas.
Europe - S. Greece. A garden escape in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A useful ground cover for a sunny position, it should be cut back after flowering to prevent it becoming straggly. It forms a carpet of growth.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden. Prefers full sun and a neutral to alkaline soil. Prefers a limey soil. Dislikes shade except in areas with hot summers. Thrives in any deep rich loam in any situation except in the shade of trees. Plants are apt to die out in heavy or damp soils. Plants can be grown in old walls. A very ornamental plant, it is the parent of the cultivated garden aubretias and there are also many named varieties. Plants often self-sow in gardens. A good bee and butterfly plant. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Attracts butterflies.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in an outdoor seed bed in the spring. Light aids germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 18°c. When they are growing away well, plant them out into their permanent positions. Division after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Cuttings, June/July in a frame. Layering after flowering.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist