Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica Hedi

Arabis caucasica 'Hedi', also known as Caucasian rockcress 'Hedi', forms a very effective ground cover to prevent the spread of weeds. It is particularly decorative with its tiny evergreen dark green leaves and its intensely pink-scented spring flowering. Easy to grow in well-drained soil. Ideal for covering walls and climbing slopes.

Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. 'Hedi' is a cultivar selected for the colour of its flowers. This perennial evergreen is carpeting and spreads through rhizomes; its growth is relatively slow. It forms a dense ground cover of 15 cm (6in) in height, with a minimum spread of 45 cm (18in), theoretically unlimited. Flowering occurs from April to June, depending on the climate. Its 1 cm (1in) in diameter flowers are pink, scented, with four petals and are gathered in clusters. They bloom above the grey-green foliage. The leaves form loose rosettes; they are oval and jagged and measure 3 cm (1in) in length.

Rockcress thrives in sunlight, in well-drained soil, even rocky or gravelly, acidic, neutral or slightly chalky. You can plant them from spring to autumn, watering them regularly to promote growth. You can trim the shrub with shears after flowering to encourage branching and denser growth.

As quintessential rock plants, the most robust rockcress varieties also make excellent ground covers along borders, in floral paving, as a crown on a wall, on a slope, etc. Charming, like a flowery curtain on walls, Arabis caucasica is an excellent ground cover, capable of covering a large area in a few years and preventing weeds. This plant is not well-suited for formal rock gardens because it may harm delicate plants, but it is perfect for covering the ground around shrubs or hedges where nothing else can grow. The plant will bloom in the spring, alongside tulips, every year without fail.