Mountain Rock Cress Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube'
ABOUT
Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube', commonly known as Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube', is a perennial that forms a compact mound of deep green foliage. Its leaves are generally oval to spoon-shaped, sometimes possessing a slight toothiness along the edges. The dense foliage serves as a backdrop for the profusion of flowers that emerge in spring. The most striking feature of the Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' are its crisp white flowers. Each small blossom typically has four petals arranged in a cross shape, a characteristic common among the flowers in its family. These blooms stand out vividly against the greenery, forming clusters that provide a snowcap-like appearance, which is aptly reflected in the name 'Schneehaube', translating to 'snow cap'. The flower stalks rise modestly above the foliage, covered in a froth of these white blooms that can create a blanket of color. This plant is often used in gardens for its decorative floral display and as a contrast to other plants with different textures or colors. Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found gracing rock gardens, border fronts, or alpine gardens, where its modest form and striking floral display contribute to a charming garden aesthetic. Its foliage often remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing a lasting backdrop for other plants in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Mountain Rockcress, Alpine Rockcress, Caucasica Alpine Rockcress
Common names
Arabis caucasica 'Schneehaube'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube', commonly known as Mountain Rock Cress, attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Mountain Rock Cress typically requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is drought-tolerant, allowing it to survive and thrive in dry conditions where other plants might struggle.
- Cold Hardy: Mountain Rock Cress is cold hardy and can withstand lower temperatures, making it suitable for alpine and rock gardens in cooler climates.
- Ground Cover: Its mat-forming growth habit makes it an ideal ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive white flowers, Mountain Rock Cress adds aesthetic appeal to gardens, borders, and rockeries.
- Extended Bloom Time: It has a long flowering period from late spring to early summer, offering prolonged visual interest.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings, facilitating garden expansion or sharing with other gardeners.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for small wildlife within its dense foliage.
- Soil Improvement: Like many plants, Mountain Rock Cress can help improve soil structure and fertility over time through its root system and organic matter contribution.
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 cress, Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube', can be used in plant breeding programs to transfer its cold hardiness traits to other, more agriculturally important species.
- This plant may be used in educational settings like biology classes for studying plant adaptation and survival strategies in alpine environments.
- Gardeners might utilize the alpine rock cress as a natural pest deterrent due to its unique scent and taste that some pests find repellant.
- The dense growth habit of 'Schneehaube' can help reduce soil erosion on slopes and banks in landscape projects.
- Alpine rock cress can serve as a food source for wildlife; specifically, some caterpillars use this plant as a host for their larval stage.
- The plant could be used in artistic applications—for example, pressing the flowers for inclusion in herbariums or botanical artwork.
- Due to its attractive bloom, Arabis alpina 'Schneehaube' can be incorporated into floral arrangements and bouquets once cut.
- Garden hobbyists may use it in miniature gardening and fairy gardens due to its small size and delicate flowers.
- Ecology studies might find this plant useful as a bioindicator for soil health and the presence of certain minerals in the habitat.
- Photographers and painters might be interested in the Alpine rock cress as a subject for their work because of its aesthetic appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Rock Cress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Rock Cress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'Schneehaube' part of Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube', which translates to 'Snow Cap', along with its white flowers, can symbolize purity and innocence, much like the fresh snow it is named after.
- Resilience: As a plant that thrives in alpine and high altitude conditions, it embodies the idea of resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Longevity: Arabis alpina is known for its long-lived nature, often surviving in the wild for many years, which makes it a symbol of longevity and survival.
- Protection: Growing in rocky slopes and crevices, this plant is often associated with protection, as it provides shelter and stabilization to the surrounding soil and ecosystem.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in the spring, Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube' represents new beginnings and the start of a cycle of growth and renewal.
WaterThe most common name for Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube' is Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube'. The plant prefers even moisture, so it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the roots have adequate moisture. It's best to check the soil moisture level every few days and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. On average, this might translate to watering approximately once a week, but frequency will vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Over the course of a month during active growth, the plant may need around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, but always assess soil moisture before watering.
LightMountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' thrives best in full to partial sun. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. It's important to place the plant in a location where it is exposed to morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon to prevent scorching, particularly in hot summer climates.
TemperatureMountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' can survive in a range of temperatures, handling minimum temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit to maximum temperatures of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for its optimal growth is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cold-tolerant and can endure light frost without significant damage.
PruningPruning Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' is beneficial for maintaining a compact growth habit and encouraging more blooms. Snip off spent flowers after the spring blooming period to promote a second bloom and to prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. Prune lightly to shape the plant as desired, or to remove any damaged or dead foliage. The best time for pruning is immediately after the main flowering period, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain Rockcress prefers well-draining soil mixed with sand and compost. The ideal soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5.
RepottingMountain Rockcress should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMountain Rockcress thrives in low to moderate humidity levels typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for Mountain Rockcress.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade in cooler climates.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Alpine Rock Cress 'Schneehaube', like many perennials, begins its life as a seed which germinates in late winter or early spring, depending on the temperature and conditions. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at the ground level and grow steadily as they mature. During spring to early summer, mature plants produce flowering stalks with white flowers, preferred by the plant for pollination and subsequent seed production. After flowering, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind, or fall near the parent plant, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the plant continues to photosynthesize and store energy in its root system. In the autumn and winter, Alpine Rock Cress 'Schneehaube' enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy and surviving off stored resources until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Schneehaube', commonly known as Mountain Rock Cress 'Schneehaube', the most popular method of propagation is by seed. Seed sowing can be carried out in either spring or fall. When propagating by seed, it's best to sow them directly into well-draining soil at a location with full sun to partial shade exposure. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and reached a sufficient size, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden. It's important to space the plants roughly 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough room to grow and thrive.
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