Share your pictures? Hide split images

Special offer

Arabis caucasica Alabaster

Arabis caucasica Alabaster 'Inaraalaba'
Mountain Rock Cress, Alpine Rock Cress, Alpine Rockcress, Caucasus Rockcress, Wall Rock Cress

4 reviews

3,8/5

2 reviews

1 reviews

0 reviews

1 reviews

Received in November 23, planted immediately. 2 young plants out of 3 taken.

Emilie , 31/05/2024

Leave a review → View all reviews →

Shipping country:

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

This spring perennial forms a round cushion of pure white flowers for borders and planters. 'Alabaster' represents the new generation of Arabis caucasica: this sterile hybrid has very large flowers and an extended flowering period from mid-March to mid-May.

Height at maturity

20 cm

Spread at maturity

25 cm

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -29°C

Soil moisture

Dry soil, Moist soil

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time September to October

Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time March to May

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Description

The Arabis caucasica 'Alabaster' is a first-class hybrid for winter and spring decoration for pots and containers on balconies and terraces. This perennial with a spreading habit is very decorative thanks to its long-lasting flowers in alabaster white.

The 'Alabaster' Caucasian Rock Cress is a sterile hybrid, recently created in Germany: it is unique in that it has larger flowers and a longer flowering period than other varieties, as it does not wear itself out producing seeds. These qualities make it particularly suitable for use in pots and containers, combined with other biennials such as pansies, primroses, violas...unlike these, it is a perennial and can be replanted in the garden after flowering. Its superb pure white colour, simple and elegant, will brighten up any display!

A very hardy perennial plant, the Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Alabaster' forms a cushion of evergreen foliage with a grey-green colour. Planted in autumn, it develops during winter to form a perfectly round ball, which will be covered with flowers from mid-March to mid-May. Typical of the Brassicaceae family (also known as "Crucifers"), the flowers are formed by 4 cross-shaped petals. They reach nearly a centimetre in diameter and completely cover the foliage during two months of uninterrupted flowering!

Native to the Caucasus Mountains, the rock cress thrives in well-drained soil or compost in full sun and requires little water. In the garden, it will colonize rockeries and low flowering walls without overwhelming them, and can be used as ground cover or as a border plant. This early and very easy-to-grow perennial combines well with basket-of-gold (Alyssum saxatile) and snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) which follow in its footsteps, as well as wallflowers, wall bellflowers, perennial stocks, candytufts, etc...

Note: Attention, our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant them as soon as possible, in pots, containers, or directly in flower beds.

Arabis caucasica Alabaster in pictures

Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour white

Flowering time March to May

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen

Foliage colour grey or silver

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm

Spread at maturity 25 cm

Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Arabis

Species

caucasica

Cultivar

Alabaster 'Inaraalaba'

Family

Brassicaceae

Other common names

Mountain Rock Cress, Alpine Rock Cress, Alpine Rockcress, Caucasus Rockcress, Wall Rock Cress

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 805942

Planting and care

The young plug plants of Arabis caucasica 'Alabaster' should be planted in pots and containers or directly into the ground in well-prepared and improved soil. Plant them as soon as possible after receiving them, in September-October. If the intended location is not yet ready or the conditions are not favourable for planting (heavy rain or excessively dry soil), you can let them grow on in pots for 4 to 6 weeks. After planting, you can lightly pinch out the tip of the plant between your thumb and forefinger to remove the terminal bud and stimulate branching (optional).

In pots and containers, use a good, well-draining compost for flowering plants (with a lot of bark or perlite, for example) and enriched with slow-release fertilizer. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil. Water thoroughly at planting and during the following weeks, as the young plants can dry out quickly. However, do not overwater! Use containers with drainage holes and empty the saucer 10 minutes after watering. Remember to water, even during winter, if it doesn't rain or if the container is placed in a sheltered spot. Do not water during frosty periods.

Once growth starts up again, in late February or early March, and throughout the flowering period, apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants 1 to 2 times a week when watering. Once flowering has finished, the plants in pots can be replanted in the garden in full sun.