Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica Rosea

Arabis caucasica 'Rosea', also known as Caucasian rockcress or basket-of-gold, forms a very effective ground cover to combat weeds. It is particularly decorative with its tiny evergreen dark green foliage and its lightly scented, light pink spring flowering. Easy to grow in well-drained soil. Ideal for covering walls, climbing slopes.  

Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. 'Rosea' is a variety distinguished by its light pink to carmine flowers. This perennial evergreen forms a dense carpet, spreading through rhizomes and growing relatively slowly. It forms a dense ground cover reaching 15 cm (6in) in height, with a minimum spread of 45 cm (18in). Flowering occurs from April to June, depending on the climate. Its fragrant, 1 cm (1in) in diameter, pink flowers have four petals and are clustered together. They bloom above the grey-green foliage. The leaves form loose rosettes, are oval, serrated, and measure 3 cm (1in) in length.

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.

Rockcress are hardy plants that prefer to grow in well-drained soil and sunny areas. They can also thrive in rocky or gravelly terrain and can tolerate soil that is acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline. To establish the plant, it's important to water it regularly after planting, from spring to autumn. After blooming, prune the shrubs with shears to encourage denser growth and a branching habit.