Alpine Rock Cress Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Douler Angevine' (v)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Douler Angevine', a cultivar of Mountain rock cress, showcases a lush mound of deep green foliage. The leaves are typically oval-shaped, often with a slightly toothed edge, creating a textured appearance. During its blooming period, it produces a profusion of white flowers. These blossoms are small and delicate, with four petals that form a cross shape, typical of the family to which this plant belongs. The petals stand out against the greenery, providing a stark and beautiful contrast. The overall effect is a cushion or a mat of greenery studded with a blanket of white blooms that bring a touch of alpine charm to the garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Mountain Rock Cress, Alpine Rock Cress, Caucasian Rock Cress
Common names
Arabis caucasica 'Doubler Angevine', Arabis albida 'Doubler Angevine'.
ToxicityTo humans
There is no widespread documentation suggesting that the common Arabis alpina, also known as mountain rockcress, is toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur. If a person were to ingest a significant quantity of this plant, they might experience gastric discomfort, nausea, or vomiting due to the uncommon nature of the plant in a human diet. It's always advisable to exercise caution and not eat plants or plant parts unless they are known to be safe and edible.
To pets
Arabis alpina, commonly referred to as mountain rockcress, is not generally known to be toxic to pets. Nevertheless, pets may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants that are typically non-toxic to humans. If a pet ingests parts of mountain rockcress, they might exhibit mild gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. As with any non-food plant, it is wise to prevent pets from consuming it, and to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially harmful plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Douler Angevine' is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-conservative gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its mat-forming habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden, which is essential for pollination.
- Extended Blooming: It offers a long flowering season, typically from early spring to late summer, providing prolonged visual interest.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it a good ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It's well-adapted to cooler climates and can survive frost, making it a suitable choice for alpine and rock gardens.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive white flowers and evergreen foliage, it adds ornamental value to garden beds and borders.
- Rock Gardens: This plant is an excellent choice for rock gardens due to its compact size and preference for well-drained soils.
- Low Fertilizer Needs: It requires little to no fertilizer once established, reducing the need for additional garden inputs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Alpine rock gardens: Arabis alpina can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of alpine rock gardens due to its ability to grow in rocky soil and its attractive foliage.
- Erosion control: Its dense mat-forming habit can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Ground cover: Due to its low-growing nature, Arabis alpina is ideal for covering bare spots in the landscape and creating a green carpet effect.
- Butterfly garden: The flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it a suitable addition to butterfly gardens.
- Living mulch: It can be planted around taller plants to act as living mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
- Edging plants: Use Arabis alpina along path edges or flower bed borders for a tidy and defined garden look.
- Green roof gardening: Its tolerance for poor soil and low maintenance makes it a candidate for use in green roof plantings.
- Crevice planting: Its ability to grow in small cracks and crevices makes it useful for softening hard landscapes and walls.
- Seasonal interest: It provides early spring blooms, offering visual interest in the garden when many other plants have yet to flower.
- Photography subject: The white flowers and evergreen foliage of Arabis alpina can serve as an attractive subject for nature photography enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wall Cress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wall Cress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Arabis alpina, commonly known as Alpine Rock Cress, thrives in harsh alpine environments, symbolizing the ability to withstand tough conditions and adversity.
- Protection: Historically, alpine plants like the Alpine Rock Cress were believed to carry protective properties, possibly due to their survival in challenging terrains.
- Purity: The white flowers of some Arabis alpina varieties are often associated with purity and innocence, reflecting the unsullied beauty of alpine regions.
- Simplicity: The modest appearance of Alpine Rock Cress reflects a theme of simplicity and unassuming charm.
WaterMountain rock cress requires even moisture, especially during its growing season in the spring and early summer. It's best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which is approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized plant. During hot or dry periods, check the soil more frequently and water as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the late fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
LightMountain rock cress thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least four to six hours of sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be one that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureMountain rock cress prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but not extended periods of extreme cold. This plant is quite hardy and can survive short periods of temperatures slightly higher than its ideal range during the summer months.
PruningPrune mountain rock cress to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. The best time for pruning is after it has finished flowering in late spring or early summer. Cutting back the plant by about a third can encourage a denser growth habit and may stimulate a second bloom. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain rockcress prefers a well-draining soil mix with some organic matter. A combination of garden soil, compost, and perlite or pumice will provide the needed drainage and nutrients. It thrives best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with an ideal pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingMountain rockcress does not require frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years. Repot the plant every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingMountain rockcress is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but does well in moderate conditions. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in the average humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, well-draining soil, drought tolerant.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleArabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Compinkie', commonly known as Mountain Rock Cress, begins its life as a seed, lying dormant until conditions are right for germination, typically in cool temperatures. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and the plant goes through a vegetative stage, developing a basal rosette of leaves during its first year. In the following spring, Mountain Rock Cress produces flowering stems and blooms with small, four-petaled white flowers that are attractive to pollinators; this generally occurs in its second year. After pollination, the flowers develop into siliques (seed pods), which contain the seeds for the next generation. Once seed dispersal has occurred, the plant may die back if it is biennial, or if perennial, it may enter a period of dormancy before repeating the flowering and seeding cycle in the next season. Some individuals may also propagate vegetatively through offsets, contributing to the spread of the plant within its habitat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Doubler Angevine', commonly known as Mountain Rock Cress, is primarily propagated through seed sowing. For successful propagation, seeds are typically sown in the spring. The most popular method involves starting the seeds indoors in trays filled with a well-draining soil mix, to give the seedlings a head start before transplanting them outdoors. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil, as they need some light to germinate, and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs in approximately two to three weeks at a temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a robust root system and are large enough to handle, they are hardened off and transplanted to their final location in the garden in late spring or early summer, ensuring they are spaced at least 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to accommodate for growth.
![Wallflower [Winter Orchid]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b62b20ab9a.png&w=640&q=75)
