How to Grow and Care for Rock Cress

How to Grow and Care for Rock Cress

Perennial, Aubrieta deltoidea

Got a rock garden? Rock cress is made for it. Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, rock cress has spread worldwide thanks to its attractiveness.

Rock cress produces a profusion of fragrant spring blooms in white, pink, rose, mauve, and lavender. Butterflies love the flowers.

Rock cress thrives in rock gardens, borders, edgings, and as ground cover. It's ideal for hills and slopes where grass struggles.

Did You Know? The leaves and flowers are edible, cooked or raw, with a pungent, cress-like flavor.

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Plant Propagation

Rock cress grows from seeds. Direct-sow into the garden or start indoors for transplanting. Sow early in the season and cover lightly with ⅛ inch of fine soil.

Seeds have a long germination period (2–3 weeks). For indoor starts, try a seedling germination mat.

Established plants can be propagated by rootball division.

Ideal spacing is 15–18 inches. Plants spread to form a loose mat, filling in between plants.

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How to Grow Rock Cress Plants

Growing rock cress is easy. Plant in full sun; they tolerate light or partial shade. They do well in fair to poor soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Sandy, loam, or clay soils are fine if loose and well-draining. Keep soil moist during germination.

Rock cress likes slightly dry soil. Water only during the hottest, driest summer periods. Add a high-nitrogen fertilizer at planting for a good start. Add high-phosphorus fertilizer just before blooming.

Rock cress blooms in the spring of the second year after planting and every year after. Prune and remove dead flowers after blooming for a clean look and to promote new growth.

Plants are hardy and survive light frosts before winter dormancy.

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Insect and Disease

Rock cress is seldom bothered by insects or disease. Apply insecticide or fungicide only if needed.

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