Aubrieta deltoidia

Common Aubrieta

Perennials

Native from the eastern Mediterraneanregion to Iran. This mat-forming perennial is popular in northwest and high-elevation rock gardens, where it blooms in early spring along withbasket-of-gold, rockcress, perennial candytuft, and moss pink. Ideal for chinks in dry stone walls or between pavers. Plantsgrow 2–6 in. high and 1–1 1/2 ft. across, with small gray-green leaves and tiny rose to deep red, pale to deep lilac, or purpleflowers. Many varieties are available. ‘Madly Blue Violet’ and ‘Madly Magenta’ produce largeflowers and may rebloom in late summer or fall. ‘Novalis Blue’ is a fine seed-grown variety withdark blue blossoms. ‘Rokey’s Purple’ is a heavy producer of rich purple flowers. Selectionswith white- or yellow-variegated leaves are also available.

Provide good drainage. Needsregular moisture before and duringbloom; takes some droughtlater on. After bloom, shear offflowers before they set seed.Don’t cut back by more thanhalf—always keep some foliage.After trimming, top-dress withmixture of gritty soil and bonemeal.Sow seeds in late springfor blooms the following spring.Clumps are difficult to divide;make cuttings in late summer.