Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Aubrieta deltoidea
Purple Rock Cress

- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 inches
- Width
- 12 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Purple, pink, blue, with some cultivars in white or red
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Bloom time
- Blooms profusely in early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; avoid overwatering
- Maintenance
- Low maintenance; prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Aubrieta deltoidea, commonly known as Rock Cress, is an attractive perennial plant that forms a low-growing mat of colorful flowers in early spring, originating from Europe and western Asia. The plant has small, oval-shaped, gray-green leaves that are hairy to the touch. Its most striking feature is its profusion of small, four-petaled flowers that bloom in shades of purple, pink, blue, and occasionally white or red, creating a vibrant carpet of color. Ideal for rock gardens or as a ground cover, Rock Cress thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. It attracts bees and butterflies, adding a delightful touch of nature to any garden. Maintenance is minimal, with occasional pruning after flowering to maintain a neat shape and promote new growth. With its resilience and beauty, Rock Cress is a delightful addition to the early spring landscape.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Deer-Prone Areas · Borders · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Candytuft · Creeping phlox · Dianthus · Sedums · Blue fescue · Helianthemums
Design tip
Repeat this groundcover at several points throughout a sunny garden to create visual continuity between separate planting areas. Carrying the same flower color through the landscape helps unify the design while making individual beds feel intentionally connected.
