Aubrieta 'Red Carpet' Aubrieta 'Red Carpet'

Water

The Purple Rock Cress, commonly known as Aubrieta 'Red Carpet', prefers consistent moisture but doesn't like to be overwatered. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may equate to once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. Aim to give the plants a thorough soak, providing approximately one gallon of water per square yard during each watering session. During the active growing season in the spring, you might need to water more frequently, while in winter, the plant requires less water due to dormant growth.

Light

Purple Rock Cress thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant will also tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with very hot summers. However, for the best flowering display and compact growth, choose a spot in your garden that is sunny and well-draining.

Temperature

Purple Rock Cress is a hardy perennial that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It can endure minimum temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. However, it grows ideally in temperate conditions with temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.

Pruning

For Purple Rock Cress, prune to remove dead flowers and to maintain shape after the blooming period in late spring or early summer. Deadheading encourages a second bloom and prevents the plant from getting leggy. Prune again lightly at the end of the growing season if needed, to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to keep the plant tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rock Cress (Aubrieta 'Red Carpet') thrives in well-draining, gritty soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0 to 7.5. A soil mix suitable for Rock Cress could be composed of one-third garden soil, one-third coarse sand or perlite, and one-third compost for added nutrients. This combination ensures both adequate drainage and a level of fertility suitable for healthy growth.

Repotting

The Rock Cress (Aubrieta 'Red Carpet') is generally not repotted frequently due to its preference for being undisturbed once planted. It's a ground-covering perennial that is typically planted outdoors, where repotting is not necessary. In container culture, repotting may be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Rock Cress (Aubrieta 'Red Carpet') prefers drier conditions and will thrive in low to moderate humidity environments common in temperate climates. They tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but are susceptible to rot in overly humid conditions. No specific humidity level needs to be maintained for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; tolerate poor soils.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

False Rockcress 'Red Carpet' is a perennial plant, so its life cycle includes germination, vegetative growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy. After the seed germinates in late spring or early summer, the plant enters the vegetative stage where it develops a mat-forming habit with small, oval leaves. This stage is followed by the flowering period in mid to late spring, where it showcases a mass of vibrant red-violet flowers. Post-flowering, False Rockcress sets seeds that can be dispersed to produce new plants the following season. As a perennial, it enters a phase of dormancy during the winter, where above-ground growth dies back, and the plant survives through its root system. The cycle begins anew with the return of warmer weather when the plant breaks dormancy and resumes growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Aubrieta 'Red Carpet', commonly known as Red Carpet rock cress, is most effectively propagated through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing seeds of Red Carpet rock cress is in late spring after the last frost has passed, or in autumn. To propagate by seed, one should scatter the seeds over a well-drained soil mix and lightly press them in, but not cover, as they need light to germinate. The flat or tray should then be kept moist and in a bright, indirect light location with a temperature range of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18-21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually emerge in 14-21 days, and once they are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final position in the garden. This method allows for a large number of plants to be produced, maintaining the delightful crimson hues and ground-cover habit that make the Red Carpet rock cress a garden favorite.