Overview
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Arabis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, banks and slopes, garden edging and ground cover. It is native to Madeira Island and Madeira.
About
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica is a mat-forming alpine rockery plant with evergreen foliage, typically 0.1–0.5 metres high and wide. It flowers in the UK from April to June. Best grown in full sun on well-drained soils across chalk, clay, loam or sand and a range of pH levels. It reaches its mature spread in 2–5 years.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arabis alpina
About the genus
Arabis, or rockcress, is a genus of flowering plants, within the family Brassicaceae.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arabis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Banks and slopes, Garden edging, Ground cover
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Madeira
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Division in summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Gall midge, Flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, White blister
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica?
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica need?
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica grow?
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica hardy in the UK?
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Division in summer.
More in the Arabis genus
- Arabis hirsutahairy rock cress
- Arabis nova
- Arabis procurrensspreading rock cress
- Arabis purpurea
- Arabis caucasica var. brevifolia
- Arabis double white-flowered (d)
- Arabis lucidashining-leaved rock cress
- Arabis x arendsii