Variegated Purple Rock Cress Aubrieta 'Argenteovariegata' (v)
ABOUT
Aubrieta 'Argenteovariegata', also known as silver-edged rock cress, is a perennial plant renowned for its decorative appeal. This plant typically features small, oval-shaped leaves with a gray-green color that are edged with creamy-white to silvery-white variegation, creating a striking contrast against the foliage. The edges of the leaves often have a frosted appearance that catches the light, giving the plant an almost sparkling effect. During the blooming season, the silver-edged rock cress produces a profusion of small, four-petaled flowers that can range in color from deep purples to pinks, which blanket the foliage and add a vibrant splash of color to the garden. These flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and bees, making this plant not only a visual delight but also beneficial for pollinators. The plant has a cushion-like form, sprawling somewhat and making it an excellent ground cover or edging plant for rock gardens and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Aubrieta, Silver Edge Aubrieta, Variegated Purple Rock Cress, Variegated Aubretia
Common names
Aubrieta 'Argenteovariegata' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
The Aubrieta, commonly known as Rock Cress, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant since it is not known to be poisonous. Therefore, ingesting any part of the Rock Cress typically should not lead to any serious consequences for human health.
To pets
Rock Cress is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. There are no prevalent symptoms of poisoning from this plant since it is not recognized as a poisonous species. Ingesting parts of the Rock Cress should not cause any serious health issues for pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset if the pet is not accustomed to eating it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Mixed
Height
0.25 feet (8 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground cover: Aubrieta 'Argenteovariegata', commonly known as variegated purple rock cress, forms a low, evergreen carpet, effectively covering bare spots and suppressing weeds.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Erosion control: Its mat-forming habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Spring blooming: The plant produces vibrant purple flowers in spring, adding color to the garden after winter dormancy.
- Low maintenance: It is easy to care for, needing little beyond occasional trimming to keep it tidy.
- Tolerance of poor soils: Variegated purple rock cress can thrive in less fertile soils, which is beneficial for rocky or sandy garden areas.
- Edging and borders: Its compact size and attractive foliage make it ideal for edges and borders in garden design.
- Versatility: Suitable for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and for growing between paving stones, providing flexibility in landscaping uses.
- Cold hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aubrieta can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing hues ranging from soft lavender to deep violet depending on the mordant used.
- Rock cress is suitable for creating intricate living mosaics in rockeries or paving, adding texture and color without obstructing foot traffic.
- The cascading nature of Aubrieta is perfect for spilling out of hanging baskets, creating a waterfall effect of foliage and flowers.
- Rock cress can be utilized in miniature or fairy gardening, providing a colorful, scaled-down ground cover for these whimsical landscapes.
- Aubrieta's vibrant blossoms can be used to craft natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations, gradually decomposing without harming the environment.
- Rocks cress can be grown to spruce up green roofs, providing not only visual appeal but also enhancing biodiversity.
- The ground-hugging habit of Aubrieta makes it an excellent natural mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Aubrieta can be used in artistic landscaping, with its variegated foliage providing a striking contrast when patterned with other plants.
- Rock cress is sometimes used in sensory gardens for its textured foliage and vibrant blooms, which can offer a multi-sensory experience.
- The plant can be integrated into educational gardens to attract pollinators, providing a teaching opportunity about the importance of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rock Cress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rock Cress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence - Aubrieta, commonly known as Rock Cress, often grows in rocky, challenging environments. It symbolizes one's ability to persevere and flourish even in tough conditions.
- Resilience - Rock Cress returns every spring with vibrant blooms, representing our capacity to recover and thrive regardless of hardships.
- Beauty - The lovely purple flowers of the Rock Cress are a reminder of the natural beauty in the world and the importance of appreciating the aesthetic pleasures in life.
- Grounding - As a ground-cover plant, Rock Cress symbolizes staying grounded and connected to one's origins or reality.
WaterFor the variegated purple rock cress, water thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out somewhat between watering sessions to prevent root rot. In general, aim for about one inch of water per week, but adjust according to weather conditions—more in hot, dry spells and less during cool, damp periods. It's best to water this plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightVariegated purple rock cress thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in particularly hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can prevent scorching of the leaves and helps to keep the colors vibrant.
TemperatureThe variegated purple rock cress flourishes in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, it can withstand minimum temperatures down to -30°F and is tolerant of temperature fluctuations. Ideal growth occurs in temperate conditions where the temperature remains between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningTrim variegated purple rock cress after flowering to maintain a neat, compact shape and to encourage denser growth. Pruning is typically done annually, in late spring or early summer, immediately after the bloom cycle is complete. This promotes new growth and can enhance blooming in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVariegated Purple Rock Cress thrives in well-draining, gritty or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. A recommended soil mix would include equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand or perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.
RepottingVariegated Purple Rock Cress does not typically require frequent repotting. They can be repotted every few years or as needed when the plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted of nutrients.
Humidity & MistingVariegated Purple Rock Cress prefers drier conditions and does not require high humidity. It will flourish in average humidity levels typical of outdoor environments, making it well-suited for rock gardens and alpine settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air flow, and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 15cm apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAubrieta 'Argenteovariegata', commonly known as Variegated Purple Rock Cress, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively. Upon sprouting in early spring, the seedling grows rapidly, developing a mat-forming habit with small, variegated leaves. Throughout late spring, the plant blooms, displaying masses of purple flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, it sets seed, which can be dispersed to produce new plants. Over the summer, the foliage remains as ground cover, and as a perennial, the plant enters dormancy in the fall, retreating back to its evergreen leaves. With the arrival of winter, the above-ground growth may die back, but the plant survives underground, ready to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Aubrieta 'Argenteovariegata', commonly known as variegated purple rock cress, is through stem cuttings. This technique is typically carried out in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3-4 inch (roughly 7.5 to 10 centimeters) length. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a moistened mix of half perlite and half peat. The container should be placed in a location with indirect light and covered with plastic to maintain humidity. Rooting usually takes place within a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to ambient conditions and eventually be transplanted outdoors.
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