Hairy rockcress, Mountain rockcress, Creamflower rockcress
Arabis hirsuta
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Arabis hirsuta is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Chalk and limestone slopes, limestone rocks and walls, dunes and dry banks.
Most of Europe, including Britain, N. Africa and N. Asia to Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in ordinary well-drained soil. Succeeds in dry soils and on walls.
Propagating it: Seed - it is best to surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division after flowering. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required. Cuttings in a shady border in summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist