Rock Cress Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue'
ABOUT
The Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue', commonly known as Blue Rock Cress, is a charming perennial plant notable for its vibrant display of flowers and foliage. The Blue Rock Cress has small, oval-shaped leaves that have a slightly hairy texture. These leaves form a dense, mat-like ground cover that is both lush and low-maintenance. The most striking feature of the Blue Rock Cress is its profusion of vivid blue flowers. These blossoms are small and funnel-shaped, with four delicate petals that create a striking contrast against the green foliage. The flowers come together in clusters, providing a rich carpet of blue that is particularly eye-catching during the blooming season. The overall effect is a cascade of cool-toned color that can soften the edges of rockeries, paths, or walls where this plant tends to thrive. In addition to its ornamental qualities, the Blue Rock Cress is favored for its hardy nature and its ability to flourish in a range of growing conditions, providing a reliable and picturesque adornment to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Rock Cress, False Rockcress, Rainbow Rock Cress
Common names
Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Aubrieta, commonly known as Rock Cress, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects in humans resulting from the ingestion of Rock Cress. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning or the consequences of ingesting this plant are commonly reported.
To pets
Rock Cress is not recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Rock Cress (Aubrieta spp.) poses any toxic risk to pets. Thus, no specific symptoms of poisoning are generally associated with the ingestion of this plant by pets. However, individual animals might have sensitivity or an allergic reaction to any plant, so monitoring for unusual symptoms after ingestion is always a good practice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
0.25 feet (7.62 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30.48 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Ground Cover - Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue' forms a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and covers bare spots.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for an easy-care landscape.
- Drought Tolerant - This plant can survive with limited water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
- Attracts Pollinators - The blooms attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in your garden.
- Cold Hardy - It can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Colorful Blooms - With its vivid blue flowers, it adds a splash of color to the garden during blooming season.
- Erosion Control - Its root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
- Long Blooming Period - It flowers from early spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Rock Garden Suitable - Its size and growth habit make it perfect for rock gardens and alpine settings.
- Edging Plant - It can be used as a border or edging plant, defining paths and garden beds with its neat growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue', commonly known as Rock Cress, can be used in terrariums as a decorative, low-growing element providing a splash of color.
- Rock Cress can serve as a natural mulch, as its dense growth habit can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in gardens.
- Photographers and artists may use Rock Cress as a foreground subject in garden photography or botanical illustrations due to its vibrant hue.
- In culinary settings, though not commonly consumed, the flowers of Rock Cress could be used as edible garnishes for salads and desserts after ensuring they are safe and untreated with chemicals.
- Considered for dye extraction, Rock Cress petals may serve as a natural source for plant-based dyes in homemade crafts or textiles.
- When dried, the foliage and flowers of Rock Cress can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a natural, earthy aroma in home decor.
- Rock Cress can also be used in miniature gardens or fairy gardens, creating a picturesque, whimsical landscape at a small scale.
- In educational settings, Rock Cress can be a plant of choice for teaching about groundcovers, plant propagation, and alpine flora.
- Rock Cress makes for an excellent living roof or green roof plant choice in suitable climates, providing insulation and aiding in stormwater management.
- The vibrant blooms of Rock Cress could be used in the creation of natural art pieces, like pressed flower arrangements, bookmarks, or stationary.
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- Perseverance and Tenacity: Aubrieta gracilis, commonly known as Rock Cress, often grows in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Beauty and Elegance: The 'Kitte Blue' variety, with its delicate blue flowers, represents the elegance and beauty found in nature's simple forms.
- Vitality: Rock Cress blooms vigorously in spring, signifying a burst of life and the vitality that accompanies the season of renewal.
- Grounding: As a ground-cover plant, it symbolizes staying grounded and connected to one's roots or foundations.
- Survival: The plant's hardiness and ability to survive in less than ideal conditions make it a symbol of survival and resilience.
WaterFor Rock Cress (Aubrieta 'Kitte Blue'), ensure the soil is moist but well-drained, especially during its growing season in the spring and early summer. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week, but this can vary with climate conditions. Aim to provide the equivalent of 1 gallon of water per square yard every two weeks, adjusting for rainfall and temperature changes. During the heat of summer, more frequent watering may be necessary, while in the winter, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging, as the plant is more dormant during this time.
LightRock Cress prefers full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, though it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. An area with morning sun and afternoon shade could also work well to protect it from intense midday heat.
TemperatureRock Cress thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 75°F. It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, making it suitable for gardens with cold winters, but it should be protected from harsh frost. The plant is less tolerant of extreme heat, struggling in conditions above 80°F.
PruningPrune Rock Cress to encourage denser growth and maintain its shape right after the flowering period in late spring or early summer. Cutting back the foliage by half can help stimulate new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pruning should be done annually, and it's also the best time to remove any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Aubrieta, also known as Rock Cress, a well-drained soil mix with sharp sand or gravel incorporated is essential to prevent root rot; this mix should be slightly alkaline with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingRock Cress rarely requires repotting due to its compact size and should only be repotted if it outgrows its container or every 3-4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingRock Cress prefers a drier environment and will thrive in average to low humidity conditions; it does not require high humidity to grow well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near sunny window, in well-drained soil; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage; cut back post bloom.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rock Cress 'Kitte Blue' (Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue') begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown directly in the garden in early spring or started indoors before the last frost for earlier blooms. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, growing a rosette of small, oval leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, where it develops a mat-forming growth habit with evergreen foliage. In the flowering stage, typically from mid-spring to early summer, 'Kitte Blue' produces small, vivid blue to purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, and once the seeds mature, the plant disperses them to initiate the next generation. Post-blooming, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy to restart its life cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Aubrieta gracilis 'Kitte Blue', commonly known as rock cress, is through seed sowing. Propagation by seeds typically occurs in late winter or early spring. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-drained, soil-less growing medium and not covered, as they require light to germinate. They are best started indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Maintaining a temperature in the growing medium of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 21 degrees Celsius) is beneficial for germination. Once seedlings have emerged and are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out in their final position after the risk of frost has passed.
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