Rock Cress - El Paso County Extension - Colorado State University
Rock Cress - El Paso County Extension - Colorado State University
Rock Cress - El Paso County Extension - Colorado State University
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Lush, Compact <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> is a Spreading Star<br />
By Diane Betts, <strong>Colorado</strong> Master Gardener<br />
What is it: <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> (Arabis )<br />
Everything's coming up <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong>...along your walkways, between the crevices of boulders, on a<br />
stone-stacked ledge. So the next time you think of rock gardens, think 'rock cress'. These charming<br />
plants will hug your rocks like<br />
rugs and reward you with bursts<br />
of color for weeks.<br />
Appearance: <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> are<br />
early spring perennials that grow<br />
10 to 15 cm tall, are usually on<br />
the hairy side and have a lobed<br />
leaf 1 to 6 cm long. Their dwarf,<br />
compact growing habit forms<br />
mounds of dense velvet-like<br />
foliage. The plants bear small<br />
flowers that have four petals in<br />
the shape of a cross. When in<br />
bloom, the long-flowering tiny<br />
flowers will completely cover the plant with colors ranging from white to magenta, deep violet purple,<br />
or soft pink. <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> attracts butterflies and other pollinators.<br />
Use in Landscape: <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> is a perennial member of the mustard family that spreads through<br />
creeping stolons, or runners. This<br />
can be especially advantageous if<br />
your goal is to colonize an open<br />
area: Start with just a few plants and<br />
let nature take its course. <strong>Rock</strong><br />
<strong>Cress</strong> partner nicely with<br />
Bugleweed, Dianthus, Basket of<br />
Gold or spring flowering bulbs. It<br />
is also a great choice for containers,<br />
borders, and on slopes. The<br />
creeping nature of the plant will<br />
produce a nice cascading affect.<br />
Be sure to cut <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> back to<br />
about half its size after flowering.<br />
Sheer the plant back as flowers fade<br />
to regain fresh growth and
compactness. If it is left untrimmed, it will become rangy in summer heat. However, DO NOT cut<br />
back the foliage in autumn or early spring. This may prevent the plants from flowering. For additional<br />
rock gardening tips and ideas, go to http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07401.html.<br />
Cultivation: <strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Cress</strong> prefer well-drained soil that gets some sun but will tolerate hot, dry<br />
conditions once established. They do best in areas of low humidity and cool summers. Protection from<br />
midday sun is desirable.<br />
Arabis Snow Cap (Arabis caucasica ) is a robust plant and probably one of the most popular<br />
cultivars. Profuse white flowers form mounds that look like snow from the distance. A show-stopping<br />
combination is to plant Snow Cap with blue hyacinths.<br />
Arabis blepharophylla, also known as 'Spring Charm'. It's rose-purple flowers are a great choice for<br />
rock gardens or containers.<br />
Arabis compinkie bears rose-red flowers on 6-inch stems. It's a great 'hot' color to mix among your<br />
pastels.<br />
When you have questions, your <strong>Colorado</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>Extension</strong> office has researchbased<br />
answers. For answers to your horticultural questions, contact the <strong>Colorado</strong> Master<br />
Gardener Help Desk at 520-7684 or email CSUmg2@elpasoco.com.<br />
<strong>Extension</strong> Programs are available to all without discrimination.