Wall Rock Cress Flowers seed- Arabis - perennial ground cover

Arabis alpina ‘Snow Peak’ — Wall Rock Cress — is a fragrant, early-blooming perennial ground cover producing masses of pure white flowers in mid-spring over a low mat of attractive silvery-green evergreen leaves. Perfectly suited to rock ledges, stone walls, slopes, and dry banks — as it matures and spreads it cascades beautifully over rocks and stones. Cold-hardy to Zone 4. Deer resistant. Sweetly fragrant; attracts bees. An outstanding, low-maintenance perennial that establishes readily from seed. ~5,000 seeds covers 100 square feet.

Plant Highlights

• Masses of pure white fragrant flowers in mid-spring through early summer
• Low, silvery-green evergreen mat — 4–8 inches tall; cascades beautifully over rocks, ledges, and walls
• Deer resistant; attracts bees
• Drought tolerant once established
• Evergreen in mild winter climates; foliage holds into winter
• Cold-hardy to Zone 4 (mulch roots in the coldest areas)
• Height: 4–10 inches | Width: 12–23 inches | USDA Zones 4–9

Sowing Guide

Depth: Cover seeds thinly — a thin layer of soil or vermiculite only. Light is required for germination.

Germination: 14–21 days at 68°F. Keep seeds consistently moist until germination occurs.

Coverage: Approximately 5,000 seeds covers 100 square feet.

Sowing rate: Surface sow thinly and evenly over a prepared seedbed; thin as needed.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained; pH 6.5–7.5. Tolerates dry, rocky, and poor soils once established — excellent for challenging sites.

Drought tolerance: Fairly drought tolerant once established.

Maintenance: Trim back after blooming to keep the plant neat and encourage fresh foliage growth. In the coldest areas (Zone 4), apply winter mulch to protect roots. Plants may need dividing or replacing every 3–4 years to maintain vigor — dig up and divide in spring or early fall.

Best uses: Rock ledges, stone walls, slopes, dry banks, between flagstones, along pathways, and as a cascading accent at the top of retaining walls.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Wall Rock Cress, Snow Peak Rock Cress
• Botanical name: Arabis alpina ‘Snow Peak’ (syn. Arabis alpina ‘Snow Cap’)
• Type: Perennial ground cover; evergreen
• Bloom: White; fragrant | Bloom time: Mid-spring to early summer
• Height: 4–10 inches | Width: 12–23 inches
• Growth rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 4–9
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained; pH 6.5–7.5
• Deer resistant: Yes | Attracts: Bees | Drought tolerant: Yes (once established)
• Sowing depth: Thin cover — light required | Germ: 14–21 days at 68°F
• Coverage: ~5,000 seeds per 100 sq ft