Aubrieta Seeds - RockCress - Cascade Purple

Aubrieta 'Cascade Purple' (Rock Cress) is a stunning low-growing perennial that creates a spectacular carpet of vibrant purple flowers in spring. This hardy, evergreen groundcover is perfect for rock gardens, walls, borders, and cascading over edges, where its masses of blooms create a breathtaking display.

Key Features:

• Vibrant purple flowers in abundant clusters
• Low-growing, mat-forming evergreen perennial
• Excellent for rock gardens, walls, and slopes
• Cascading habit perfect for edges and containers
• Attracts butterflies and pollinators
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Deer resistant

Growing Directions

Sowing:

• When to Sow: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in early spring or fall
• Stratification: Cold stratification recommended - refrigerate seeds for 2-3 weeks before sowing to improve germination
• Depth: Barely cover seeds with 1/8 inch of soil or vermiculite
• Spacing: Space transplants 6-12 inches apart

Germination:

• Temperature: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
• Time: 14-21 days
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Light: Provide bright light during germination

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; best flowering in full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, lean to moderately fertile soil; excellent drainage is essential
• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5)
• Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
• Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Care:

• Trim back after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage rebloom
• Avoid overwatering - prefers drier conditions
• Minimal fertilization needed - too much causes leggy growth
• Mulch lightly with gravel or small stones for best drainage
• Divide clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate plants
• Protect from winter wetness in cold climates

Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April-May)

Mature Height: 4-6 inches tall, spreads 12-24 inches wide

Landscape Uses: Ideal for rock gardens, stone walls, alpine gardens, border edging, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls or containers. The vibrant purple blooms create stunning drifts and work beautifully with spring bulbs, creeping phlox, and other alpine plants.