False Rockcress Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster'

Water

False rockcress (Aubrieta) should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its native habitat conditions. Typically, watering once a week with approximately two gallons of water is sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to every few days, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Light

False rockcress thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are growing false rockcress in a region with scorching summer sun, it can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect it from the most intense rays.

Temperature

False rockcress prefers cooler temperatures and does well in regions with mild summers and cold winters. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal range is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme cold and ensure that it has enough coverage to survive winter conditions.

Pruning

Prune false rockcress to promote bushy growth and to refresh the plant after it has finished blooming. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer. Cut back the spent flower stems and trim about a third of the plant's overall growth to maintain its shape and encourage new blooms for the following season. Annual pruning helps to prevent the center from dying out and keeps the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rock cress, including Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster', thrives best in well-draining, gritty, alkaline soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. A mix comprising one-third topsoil, one-third compost, and one-third coarse sand or perlite would provide ideal conditions for growth and flowering.

Repotting

Rock cress rarely needs to be repotted as it is a low-growing perennial commonly used in rock gardens. If grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years should be sufficient to replenish the soil and provide space for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Rock cress is quite tolerant of different humidity levels but prefers drier conditions. It does not require high humidity and will flourish in typical outdoor humidity levels without any special care.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, tolerate drought.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster', also known as Purple Rock Cress, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown, typically in late spring or early summer. After germination, the seedlings develop into a low, mat-forming perennial that produces small, oval-shaped, green leaves. Foliage grows denser as the plants mature through the summer and fall. In early to mid-spring of the following year, Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster' bursts into bloom with a profusion of small, purple flowers, which attract pollinators and adorn the garden with vibrant color. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which can be collected if desired or left to self-sow, creating new plants nearby. As a hardy perennial, Purple Rock Cress will die back in late fall, lying dormant through the winter months to start the cycle anew the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster', commonly known as Rock Cress, is by stem cuttings. To propagate Rock Cress using this method, a gardener would typically take cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and include several leaves. It's advisable to remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage growth. The stem cuts are then planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Providing a consistent temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) can enhance the rooting process. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight on the new cuttings to prevent scorching while they establish roots.