Aubrieta spp.
Mountains of southern Europe and western Asia
Overview
Aubrieta spp. is a genus of about twenty mat-forming evergreen perennials in the cabbage family, native to the mountains of southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and western to central Asia. Plants form low cushions 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall that spread 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, with small grey-green, hairy, spoon-shaped leaves on trailing stems. In spring the foliage is nearly covered by four-petaled flowers about 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) across in violet, purple, mauve, pink, or blue, depending on species and cultivar. A. deltoidea, common aubrieta, is the parent of most garden forms. Flowering lasts several weeks in mid to late spring, after which the mats grow open and woody at the center. Stems root where they touch the soil, slowly widening the patch. Plants are short-lived, often declining after 3-4 years, and grow leggy and bare in the middle unless cut back. Wet, heavy soil and humid summers shorten their life.
Native Range
Native to the mountains of southern and central Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western to central Asia. Grows on rocky slopes, cliffs, screes, and stony grassland, often on limestone, in full sun and sharp drainage.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, wall crevices, gravel gardens, and along path edges, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart, where stems can trail over stone. Used to cascade from raised beds and retaining walls. Cushion plants grow in troughs and containers with gritty, free-draining mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering peaks in mid to late spring, about March through May, and lasts 4-6 weeks. A light second flush can follow in autumn if plants are sheared after the main bloom. Cool spring weather lengthens the display, while early heat ends it quickly.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet, purple, pink, or blueFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun and gritty, sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil and tolerate drought once established. Wet, heavy soil and humid heat rot the cushions and shorten their life. Watering is sparing once established. Plants are sheared back by about half after flowering to keep the mats dense and limit the bare, woody center. Aphids and flea beetles occasionally feed on the foliage. Cushions are divided or renewed from cuttings every few years as they decline.Pruning
Plants are sheared back by one-third to one-half straight after the main spring bloom to keep them compact and encourage a second flush. Bare, woody centers are cut back into older growth, which reshoots slowly. Cuttings taken in early summer renew aging plants.Pruning Schedule
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons