Rock Cress Aubrieta 'Red Cascade' (Cascade Series)

Water

Rock cress, including the Aubrieta 'Red Cascade', prefers well-drained soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, watering should typically occur once a week, allowing soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Approximately one gallon per plant per watering session is sufficient. However, during particularly hot or dry weather, increase the frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. In fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.

Light

Rock cress thrives in full sun conditions, making it best suited for a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The high light intensity brings out the best in its flowering ability. If it's placed in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as vigorously and can become leggy.

Temperature

Rock cress is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures, with general survival between 32°F and 80°F. However, it prefers temperate conditions and thrives between 60°F and 75°F, making it ideal for spring and fall growth. It can tolerate some frost but sustained extreme cold or heat beyond these ranges can damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning rock cress is important to maintain its compact, mounded shape and to encourage vibrant blooms. Immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, prune back the spent flowers and about a third of the plant's growth to stimulate new buds and to refresh the plant. Annual pruning ensures the best display the following season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rock cress thrives in a well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, typically between 6.5 to 7.5. A mix containing one-third each of potting soil, sharp sand, and fine gravel or perlite can create the ideal growing conditions for this alpine plant.

Repotting

Rock cress, being a low maintenance perennial, doesn't require frequent repotting and generally only needs it every 2 to 3 years or if it outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Rock cress prefers a dry climate and can tolerate low humidity conditions, making it well-adapted for rock gardens and arid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright light, limit watering, and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Aubrieta 'Red Cascade', also known simply as Red Cascade Rock Cress, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in late winter to early spring under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. After germination, the seedlings grow rapidly, establishing a mat-like foliage of small, oval green leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it spreads out to form a dense, low carpet that is particularly well-suited for rock gardens and ground cover. The flowering stage follows in mid to late spring, showcasing vibrant red-violet blossoms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed pods that eventually release seeds, allowing for the natural propagation of the next generation. Over the winter months, the plant goes dormant, retreating back to the ground level to conserve energy for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Aubrieta 'Red Cascade' is through stem cuttings. This process usually takes place in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To perform this method, select a healthy stem that has new growth but is not too tender. Cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) segment from the stem, ensuring that there are a few leaves present. Remove the lower leaves to expose a couple of nodes where roots will form. The cutting should be planted in well-draining soil, and kept moist but not waterlogged. To create a humid environment, you can cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator, ensuring that there is some air circulation to prevent rot. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting it out.