Aubrieta—or “False Rockcress” as many of us call it—is a stunning member of the mustard family. There are about fifteen known species, all originally hailing from the sunny Mediterranean and parts of Western Asia. Because of those roots, this little plant has some very specific preferences for where it likes to hang out in your backyard.
Sun-Soaked or Light Shade
If you want your Aubrieta to really thrive, sunshine is the name of the game. Since it’s a Mediterranean native, it’s built for those long, hot, dry days. While it can handle a bit of partial shade, you definitely want to steer clear of the fully shaded corners of your garden. If it doesn’t get enough light, that iconic bloom time will be cut short—or worse, the flowers might not show up at all!
Low Maintenance, High Reward
One of the best things about Aubrieta is that it’s not a “diva.” It’s actually pretty low-maintenance and isn’t too picky about soil quality. It can grow just fine in leaner, rockier dirt. However, producing all those vibrant flowers takes a lot of energy. If your soil is particularly poor, I’d recommend tossing a little compost its way in the spring to give it a boost. Just make sure the soil drains well! When it comes to watering, remember that this plant prefers a dry spell over “wet feet.” Keep the soil lightly moist, but don’t overdo it.
When and Where to Plant
If you’re looking to add some of these to your landscape, the best times to plant are in the early spring (starting in March) or in the fall (around October). They are absolute superstars in rock gardens, where they can spill over stones and add a huge pop of color.
To recap, here is the “sweet spot” for your Aubrieta:
- A nice sunny location
- Well-draining soil
