Overview
Arabis purpurea is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Arabis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Arabis purpurea 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 purpurea is a matforming alpine rockery plant within the Arabis genus, known for its evergreen foliage and racemes of four-petalled flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is well-drained. Suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, it can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for gravel and rock gardens, patios, containers, and wildlife gardens. Planting is best after the last frost in fertile soil, with propagation possible through softwood cuttings or division.
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 purpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arabis purpurea
- 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 purpurea?
Arabis purpurea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arabis purpurea need?
Arabis purpurea 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.
Is Arabis purpurea hardy in the UK?
Arabis purpurea 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 purpurea?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
