Arabis Caucasica

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Arabis

Species

Caucasian

Description

An evergreen perennial herb that forms dense mats of rosette-shaped foliage, dotted in spring with an early profusion of slightly fragrant flowers – either double or single, with four white, pink or purple petals, depending on the variety. Hardy, it requires a sunny position in well-drained soil. It is suitable as a ground cover or trailing plant, and also works well in combinations with other ornamental species.

Curiosities and special features

According to some scholars, the term ‘Arabis’ was coined by Linnaeus in reference to the dry, stony habitat of the botanical genus, whilst the specific epithet relates to the species’ range, namely the Alps and the Caucasus.

Origin and distribution

Botanical Species native to a range extending from north-west Africa to south-eastern Europe, as far as Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.

Flower size

Flower individually is Medium, united with others in the Inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has an elongated oval lamina.

Flowering period

from early spring to late spring for a period of between 30 and 90 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster, borne by elongated flowering stems.

Leaf colour

The foliage may be solid in colour or variegated, depending on the variety.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.2 metres and is ideal for creating dense, cushion-like clumps of foliage, which are covered with a profusion of flowers during the flowering season.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen herb.

Where to plant

Due to its developed habit of growth and the high ornamental value conferred by its flowering, it is ideal for flowerbeds, balconies, borders, planters and rock gardens.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a cruciform corolla and is of medium size. The petals are a solid colour. It forms medium-sized raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 30 and 90 days. It has sweet notes, is slightly fragrant, and has a delicate aroma. It attracts bees and butterflies.

Growth

Compact and uniform Growth plant, perfect for creating proportionate final results.

Plant habit

It develops a carpet-like habitus.

PH

The ideal pH of the growing medium or soil is between 5.5 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil properly before planting, lightly dig over the area, removing any weeds and large stones, and work in organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser as a base dressing. If the soil is compact and heavy, we recommend working sand into it evenly; finally, add professional-grade growing medium to the surface to an average depth of 5–10 cm, levelling it carefully and preparing the planting holes at a suitable density.

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Sun exposure

It prefers a full sun position for abundant flowering. If grown in a pot, it is best to place it in partial shade during the hottest hours of the summer.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C. The survival temperature is between -20 and 30 °C.

Use

It is valued, with its wide range of varieties, as a herbaceous plant in:

Outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

A plant with medium to high hardiness; it withstands intense winter cold. It also tolerates temporary drought once it has become properly established in its new planting site.

Soil

This plant requires soil of medium texture or slightly sandy, light and well-drained; for growing in planters and pots, use a good-quality potting mix for spring plants, containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Arabis caucasica is easy to grow once it has become well-established in its new planting site, provided it is given suitable soil and climate conditions and adequate light. It requires little maintenance, which makes the plant all the more valuable.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips to ensure proper vegetative growth and abundant flowering ofArabis caucasica:

In low light, the plants will not flower Avoid overwatering This plant adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen soil. Balanced fertilisation Prefers a cool climate

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for creating dense, cushion-like ground cover that is monochromatic and uniform, but also for combining with other ornamental plants such as Alyssum saxatile, Aubrieta x cultorum, Iberis sempervirens and Phlox subulata; combinations may feature shades of the same colour tone or pairings of different colours according to carefully composed, uniform and soothing schemes, determined by a range of factors such as personal taste, the season and the duration of flowering, as well as the final height reached by each individual species. When transplanting, ensure the correct planting density to guarantee the proper development of each plant.

Planting

To ensure that each plant develops properly, resulting in a well-proportioned and compact final arrangement, it is of the utmost importance to maintain the correct planting density. An average density of 9 plants per square metre is recommended. Remove the seedling from the container without damaging the roots, positioning it so that the root collar is just above the surface of the growing medium or soil.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly by seed; however, there are varieties that are propagated asexually by cuttings.

Watering

This plant is sensitive to waterlogging, which can cause root asphyxia and death. Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water or canal water, watering either by hand or using an irrigation system. When transplanting, take care of the seedling to help it adapt properly to its new location, keeping the soil at a constant moisture level but avoiding excessive watering that leads to waterlogging. Thereafter, keep the growing medium or soil slightly moist without wetting the above-ground parts of the plant in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of plant diseases.

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Fertilising

When preparing the soil prior to transplanting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil. Once the plant has become properly established in its new location – on average three or four weeks after transplanting – apply a balanced fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants during the spring-summer, apply a balanced fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants directly to the moist substrate or soil. Apply it in liquid form – that is, diluted in the irrigation water – without exceeding the recommended doses or frequency, asArabis caucasica is sensitive to over-fertilisation.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Tip

For abundant flowering, place Arabis caucasica in a sunny spot; once the flowering period is over, in areas with very hot summers, move it to a spot with filtered shade if grown in a pot. It is a plant that can withstand intense winter cold but does not tolerate summer temperatures exceeding 30° for prolonged periods. Avoid waterlogging. Varieties are available on the market with plain or variegated leaves, as well as with single or double flowers.