Golden Variegated Aubrieta Aubrieta 'Aureovariegata' (v)
ABOUT
Aubrieta 'Aureovariegata', more commonly known as variegated purple rock cress, is an ornamental plant that is admired for its decorative foliage and flowers. The plant features small, rounded leaves that are edged with creamy yellow, creating a stunning variegated effect against the green center. During the blooming season, the plant becomes adorned with vibrant purple flowers, which add a bold splash of color to the overall appearance. The blooms are typically small but numerous, covering the plant in a rich floral display. This attractive contrast between the colorful flowers and the variegated leaves makes the variegated purple rock cress a favored choice for gardeners looking to add both texture and vibrancy to their garden beds or rockeries.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Golden Alyssum, Variegated Gold-Dust, Golden Variegated Aubrieta
Common names
Aubrieta 'Aureovariegata' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
False Rockcress (Aubrieta) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating any garden plants unless they are known to be edible, as individual reactions to plants can vary.
To pets
False Rockcress (Aubrieta) is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. This means that if pets ingest parts of the False Rockcress, they are unlikely to experience poisoning or serious health consequences. As with humans, though, it is good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended for their consumption to avoid any potential upset or allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
24 inches (61 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Aubrieta, commonly known as rock cress, adds vibrant color and texture to rock gardens, walls, and borders with its variegated foliage and purple flowers.
- Ground Cover: Rock cress provides excellent ground coverage, reducing weed growth by forming a dense mat that limits space for unwanted plants.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion by anchoring the soil in place.
- Drought Tolerance: Rock cress is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for water-wise gardening and xeriscaping.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of rock cress attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are important for pollination of surrounding plants.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Seasonal Interest: Rock cress blooms in the spring, providing an early source of nectar and a splash of color after the winter season.
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 in butterfly gardens as it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its vibrant flowers.
- Due to its mat-forming habit, Aubrieta is often utilized in green roofing systems to provide insulation and absorb rainwater.
- This plant can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Aubrieta's cascading growth makes it suitable for decorating retaining walls, adding a burst of color as it spills over the edges.
- It can be employed in sensory gardens for its texture and vibrant color, providing a tactile and visual experience.
- Rock cress is used in miniature fairy gardens, offering a low-growing ground cover that resembles a tiny forest or meadow.
- It is an ideal candidate for xeriscaping, landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water.
- Artistic uses include pressing the flowers for use in botanical prints and craft projects like homemade greeting cards.
- Aubrieta works well as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while maintaining soil moisture and temperature.
- In educational settings, rock cress can be used to teach children about plant growth habits and ground cover species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Variegated Purple Rock Cress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Variegated Purple Rock Cress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Aubrieta often grows in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Innocence: With its delicate flowers, Aubrieta can represent purity and the untouched.
- Beauty: The vibrant colors of the Aubrieta flowers can symbolize beauty and appreciation for the aesthetic.
- New Beginnings: As a plant that blooms in early spring, Aubrieta can represent starting anew or the birth of ideas.
WaterFalse Rock Cress should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as this plant prefers a well-draining soil. During the growing season, watering once a week with about 0.5 gallons for an outdoor plant, or 2-3 ounces for a smaller indoor pot, should suffice. During winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or less depending on the climate and indoor conditions since the plant is dormant and uses less water.
LightFalse Rock Cress thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant would be a southern or western facing location where it gets ample sun throughout the day, ensuring vibrant growth and plentiful blossoms.
TemperatureFalse Rock Cress is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it thrives best between 50°F and 75°F. It can withstand some frost and cold down to about -20°F. During extreme heat above 85°F, extra care should be taken to ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
PruningPruning False Rock Cress is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. It's best to prune right after the flowering season, typically in late spring or early summer. Cut back about a third of the plant to stimulate new growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Repeat this process every year or as needed to keep the plant compact and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVariegated purple rock cress requires well-draining soil with a mix of compost, perlite or sand, and garden soil to facilitate drainage. The pH should be slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5.
RepottingVariegated purple rock cress typically does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or if you notice signs of the plant outgrowing its pot.
Humidity & MistingVariegated purple rock cress thrives in an environment with low to moderate humidity. It is drought-tolerant and does well in typical outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, cool temp., well-draining soil; sparse watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAubrieta 'Aureovariegata', commonly known as variegated purple rock cress, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in early spring or autumn, ideally in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The seeds germinate and develop into young seedlings which establish a rosette of variegated leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, spreading outwards to form a low, evergreen mat that provides ground cover. In spring, typically April to May, it reaches the flowering stage, producing small, purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which are capsules containing seeds that can be dispersed to create new plants. Over time, older plants may become woody and less vigorous, at which point they can be propagated by cuttings or division to rejuvenate the population.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The most popular method of propagation for Aubrieta 'Aureovariegata', commonly known as variegated purple rock cress, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A gardener would take a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length and strip away the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted into a well-draining potting mix. It's important to maintain a humid environment for the cuttings, typically by covering them with a plastic dome or bag to keep the moisture in. Roots usually develop within several weeks, and once the new rock cress has established a good root system, it can be transplanted to its final location in the garden.
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