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wetsoil rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis crucisetosa

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: WA (cross-haired rockcress)

       

Rockcress: A Versatile Ground Cover

Rockcress, known for its vibrant blooms and adaptability, is a popular choice for gardens and ground cover. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing plant.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Rockcress leaves are usually jagged.
  • It can be planted cascading over stones.

Common and Scientific Names

  • Common Names: Rockcress, Wall Rockcress, Mountain Rockcress
  • Botanical Name: Arabis

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Arabis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in Europe (excluding Portugal), Turkey, and arctic and alpine areas.
  • Grows in screes, rocky areas, and wet meadows in mountainous regions.
  • Short's Rock-cress (Arabis shortii) grows on steep, cool slopes in southern mesic forests and moist sandstone cliffs.

Ecological Role

  • Can be invasive, spreading rapidly in wet soil or shallow ponds.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Low-mounding plant with small flowers.
  • Forms loose, spreading rosettes of small, grayish-green leaves.
  • Offers abundant, fragrant flowers and attractive silvery foliage.
  • Various flower colors include white, pink, lavender, red, and purple-blue.
  • 'Red Sensation' is a bright-flowering selection with red flowers.
  • In early spring rock cress is covered in 15cm high rose-lilac to purple flowers.

Cultivation

  • Thrives in well-drained soil but can tolerate drought.
  • Prefers full sun but can grow in light shade.
  • Suitable for rock gardens, ground cover, and edging.
  • Adaptable to borders, beds, and meadows.
  • Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.
  • Shear the plants back by a third after the flowers fade.
  • pH preference: acid, neutral, and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • Adding well-rotted organic matter helps improve soil conditions.

Potential Issues

  • Wet soil, especially in winter, can lead to root rot.
  • May suffer from diseases like crown rot, leaf spot, white rust, and mildew.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts butterflies.

Synonyms

  • Mountain Rockcress

Quirky Facts

  • Alpine rockcress thrives on soil that has a little or a lot of nitrogen.
  • One selection of a California native species is called 'Red Sensation'.