Overview
Arabis hirsuta is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Arabis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.75 metres tall. Arabis hirsuta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, patio and container plants and wildlife gardens.
About
Arabis hirsuta, known as hairy rock-cress, is a flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. In previous North American works, this species has been broadly defined to include plants native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of North America, but is now more often restricted to a narrower subgroup restricted to Europe. Arabis hirsuta grows to heights of up to around 75 centimetres (30 in) and is usually unbranched, with a long spike of flowers. Lower leaves form a rosette, the stalkless upper-leaves clasp the stem. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, patio and container plants and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arabis hirsuta
About the genus
Arabis, or rockcress, is a genus of flowering plants, within the family Brassicaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Arabis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arabis
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
- H6
Plant details
Arabis hirsuta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.75 metres
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arabis hirsuta
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to arabis midge and flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, white blister, and virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arabis hirsuta?
Arabis hirsuta prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arabis hirsuta need?
Arabis hirsuta 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 hirsuta grow?
Arabis hirsuta reaches a height of 0.75 metres.
Is Arabis hirsuta hardy in the UK?
Arabis hirsuta has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Arabis hirsuta?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by division.