Arabis | Heijnen Plants

20cm

Arabis caucasica 'Pinkie' Mountain rock cress

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

20cm

Arabis caucasica 'Snowcap' Mountain rock cress

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

Buy Arabis

Discover the enchanting allure of the Arabis genus, commonly known as rockcress. With its evergreen foliage and charming blooms, Arabis is a versatile plant that flourishes in a variety of settings, from borders to pots. As a ground cover, rockcress exhibits a creeping growth habit that spreads gracefully, creating a lush carpet of green and grey foliage throughout the year. The delicate blossoms in hues of pink and white emerge in April and May, adding a soft splash of color to any garden space.

Key Features

The Arabis genus is prized for its low maintenance and resilience. Here are some of the key features that make these species a valuable addition to any landscape:

Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest with a palette of green, grey, and silver tones.
Suitable for a variety of uses including borders, group plantings, and container gardening.
Adaptable to all well-drained soil types and thrives in both sun and partial shade.
Exhibits a low-growing, widespread form, reaching an ultimate height of 20 cm, which makes it an excellent choice for edge plantings.
Drought-resistant nature ensures survival in drier conditions.
Arabis does not bear fruit and has average water needs, simplifying care.
The genus does not require pruning, allowing for a natural and uninterrupted growth form.

Tips

To cultivate Arabis successfully, consider the following tips:

When planting in pots or planters, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, as Arabis prefers well-drained soil.
To propagate Arabis, utilize softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or employ division in spring or autumn to invigorate growth and maintain plant health.
Although drought-resistant, providing consistent moisture during the growing season will encourage optimal growth and flowering.
Space plants adequately to allow for their creeping habit and ensure full coverage for ground planting.
No pruning is necessary, but you may gently shape or direct the growth as desired without cutting into old wood to maintain the plant's natural appearance.

Embrace the understated beauty of Arabis in your garden, and enjoy the lush tapestry of foliage and springtime blooms that this hardy genus has to offer.

Types

Immerse your garden in the enchanting allure of rockcress, a plant celebrated for its cascading blooms and lush foliage. Arabis is a gem among ground covers, offering a tapestry of color and texture that brings life to rocky terrains and borders alike. With its effervescent flowers, Arabis transforms any garden into a serene retreat.

Heijnen Plants is proud to offer the charming Arabis caucasica 'Pinkie', commonly known as mountain rock cress. This delightful perennial blooms profusely in April and May, showcasing an abundance of delicate pink flowers. The Arabis caucasica 'Pinkie' is an exquisite ground cover plant that adds a splash of color to any garden space, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Its compact growth habit and vibrant blooms make it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts seeking to create a tapestry of color in their landscapes.
The Arabis caucasica 'Snowcap' is an enchanting addition to the Heijnen Plants collection, renowned for its pristine white blossoms that grace gardens during the months of April and May. Often referred to as mountain rock cress, this perennial is a superb ground cover choice, flourishing under a full sun to partial shade exposure. Its dense mat of foliage is beautifully complemented by the bright white flowers, making it an ideal selection for creating contrasts in rockeries or border fronts.

Ideal placement of a Arabis

The ideal location for Arabis is a spot where it can bask in full sun to partial shade, as it thrives with adequate light exposure. This evergreen is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained. Its creeping, widespread growth habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, edges, and group plantings, and it can also flourish in pots or planters. The plant's tolerance for drought and evergreen foliage of green, grey, and silver hues throughout the year ensure it remains a vibrant addition to any garden setting.

Planting a Arabis

For successful establishment, Arabis prefers a location that is either bathed in full sun or offers partial shade. The optimal planting period for Arabis in pot form is during spring or autumn, avoiding times of frost. The soil must be well-drained, yet these plants are versatile and adapt well to a variety of soil types. When planting, ensure there is enough space for the creeping growth habit to flourish, acknowledging that a mature spread reaches approximately 20 cm. Regular watering after planting is crucial to encourage rooting and support the evergreen foliage that retains its attractive green, grey, and silver hues throughout the seasons.

Fertilising a Arabis

To maintain the vibrant foliage and support the profuse spring blooming of Arabis, it is advisable to integrate a balanced fertilization regimen. A slow-release, granular fertilizer applied in early spring will provide the essential nutrients to promote healthy growth throughout the flowering period. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the foliage to prevent any potential burn. As a drought-resistant species, Arabis does not require frequent watering post-fertilization, but ensuring the soil is moist will help in the efficient absorption of nutrients. An additional application of fertilizer may be beneficial after flowering to prepare the plant for the next growing season, keeping its evergreen foliage lustrous even in the cooler months.

Pruning a Arabis

Arabis proves to be a low-maintenance choice for those seeking an attractive ground cover with minimal pruning needs. Its creeping, widespread growth habit naturally forms a dense mat that seldom requires intervention. As an evergreen species, Arabis retains its foliage throughout the year, presenting a persistent display of green, grey, and silver hues. Should any dead or damaged leaves occur, a light tidy-up may be performed to maintain its aesthetic appeal, but beyond this, the plant thrives without regular pruning, making it an effortless addition to any garden setting.

Watering a Arabis

The Arabis species, with its creeping growth habit, requires an average amount of water to thrive. It is drought-resistant and can cope well with periods of dry weather due to its evergreen foliage that helps retain moisture. However, to maintain its lush appearance and support flowering in April and May, ensure the soil is well-drained and provide consistent moisture, particularly when establishing new plants or during extended dry spells. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which is best performed during the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon.

The characteristics of a Arabis

The Arabis species, with its attractive mat-forming habit, is excellent for covering ground in a garden setting. These plants are particularly valued for their early spring blooms which can enliven a landscape after the winter season. They thrive in well-drained soil and, once established in a pot, require minimal attention. For an optimal display, position your Arabis in a location where its cascade of white or pink flowers can be fully appreciated, such as on elevated planters or along edges.

Separating/dividing a Arabis

To promote new growth and maintain the health of Arabis, division is a recommended practice. After a few years of flourishing, the plant benefits from being divided to rejuvenate and stimulate further flowering. Division should take place preferably in the cooler months of spring or autumn to minimize stress. Carefully remove Arabis from the soil, ensuring minimal disturbance to the root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with ample roots and shoots. Replant these divisions promptly, allowing them ample space to establish. This process can help manage the plant's size and enhance its vigor in the garden.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!