Overview

Arabis x suendermannii is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Arabis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Arabis x suendermannii 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 x suendermannii is a mat-forming alpine rockery plant in the Brassicaceae that flowers in spring from April to June. It has evergreen foliage and suits full-sun positions on well-drained soils. Rated H6 (very hardy), it tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and works equally well in gravel, rock or container situations.

About the genus

Arabis, or rockcress, is a genus of flowering plants, within the family Brassicaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Arabis", CC BY-SA 4.0Arabis

In the garden

A member of the genus Arabis in the Brassicaceae, Arabis x suendermannii is grown principally as a low, spreading plant for rockeries and gravel gardens. It is valued for its mat-forming habit and spring display, and is commonly used at the front of borders or in containers on patios where a compact, evergreen cover is wanted. Place the plant in full sun and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; it prefers well-drained conditions and will grow in chalk, clay, loam or sand and across acid to alkaline pH. An east-, south- or west-facing aspect suits it, and it stands up to both exposed and sheltered sites. The H6 rating means it is very hardy in UK gardens and will survive most outdoor winters without winter protection. Use Arabis x suendermannii in gravel and rock gardens, as a patio or container subject, or where a low evergreen layer is required in wildlife-friendly planting. Flowering runs from April to June, after which the persistent evergreen mats continue to define the planting area through summer, making it useful for holding edges and filling crevices between stones.

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 x suendermannii 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 x suendermannii

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 x suendermannii?

Arabis x suendermannii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Arabis x suendermannii need?

Arabis x suendermannii 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 x suendermannii hardy in the UK?

Arabis x suendermannii 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 x suendermannii?

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by division.