About
Draba aizoides, the yellow whitlow grass, is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with modest-sized, intense-green, stiff, bristle-tipped leaves and bright-yellow flowers in late spring. A reliable and ornamental alpine plant for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or alpine house.
About the genus
Draba, the whitlow grasses, are mat-forming, rosette or cushion-forming annuals and perennials in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), producing tight rosettes of small leaves and short racemes of small, four-petalled, white or yellow flowers in spring. Popular and easy-care rock garden and alpine plants for sunny, very well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden
Native toC & S Europe (Mts)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a gritty very well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter rain. Avoid wetting foliage
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed and root rosettes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free