Arabis Seeds - Snow Peak
Wall Rock Cress (Arabis Alpina Snow Peak) - Arabis ground cover seed produces early spring blooms and a low-maintenance ground cover. It is cold-hardy to zone 4, though in the coldest areas it will need winter mulch protection for the roots. Rock Cress ground cover plants may need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years, or it can be refreshed by digging it up and dividing the plants. Arabis Alpina has a sweet fragrance and attracts bees.
Rock Cress perennial ground cover establishes well from ground cover seeds. It works well as a ground cover for slopes. It is fairly drought tolerant once it is established. Use Rock Cress on a ledge of rock or a stone wall. As it matures and spreads, it will cascade over the stones. Rock Cress has attractive silvery-green evergreen leaves which hug the ground, about 6 - 8 inches in height, occasionally jumping up to 10 inches. In climates with mild winters, the leaves of this flowering ground cover plant hold their looks into winter. Trim back the Arabis Alpina plant after blooming to keep it neat and tidy.
Origins Of The Rock Cress
The Rock Cress is native to Canada and Europe. It is also native to some parts of the northern U.S. From Maine to Wisconsin, and south to Tennessee.
Arabis Seeds | Snow Peak
How to Grow
If sowing Rock Cress indoors, sow seeds 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Press seeds just slightly into the soil. Transplant outdoors after germination, usually after 3 - 4 weeks. Rock Cress does best in full sun, though they will tolerate light to partial shade.
- Sowing Rate: Approximately 5000 seeds covers 100 square feet or 3 - 4 seeds per plant
- Depth: Do not cover the seed but tightly press into the soil
- Average Germ Time: 21 - 28 days
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Spacing: 10 inches
Groundcover Specifications
It also likes slightly dry soil best. it is best to water your Rock Cress only during the peak of summer, when its the hottest and most dry. It is best to cut back the Arabis after the flowering period.
- Height: 6 - 8 inches
- USDA Zones: 4 - 8
- Season: Perennial