Aubriete: what is it?

Aubriete what is it

This perennial forms magnificent cushions of color violet, pink, carmine red or white from March to June. Easy to live with and resistant, it colonizes dry places like a low wall of dry stones, stairs or the surroundings of a terrace.

Appellations

Aubrieta (Aubrieta) is a member of the Brassicaceae family (Brassicaceae).

Botanical description of aubrieta

It is a small perennial plant that does not exceed 20 cm in height, with a ground cover habit. It produces small semi-evergreen fluffy leaves and a multitude of flowers in shades of pink and mauve with some white varieties. Its long and abundant spring flowering makes it a star in gardens.

The majority of aubrieta produce flowers in shades of pink or purple. There are a few original varieties:

  • with white flowering like ‘Fiona’ or ‘Kitte White’;
  • flowering carmine red with ‘Breesingham Red’ or ‘Cascade Red’;
  • and original foliage with the varieties ‘Somerfield Silver’, ‘Dr Mules Variegated’ or ‘Argenteovaroegata’.

Origins of Aubrieta

Aubrieta is native to Asia and southern Europe, more specifically Italy.

Aubrieta cultural requirements

She also likes Sun only in partial shade. In the sun, the number of flowers is greater. Prefer to plant it in spring or autumn, in a earth ordinary, no limestone and well drained to avoid the risk of rot. Water the plant well after planting and bring water regularly, taking care to touch the soil before to avoid excess water. Mulch in the spring so that the plant retains fresh soil.

Once the aubrieta is well established, watering will no longer be necessary. When flowering is complete, cut the stems with shears. If the aubrieta clumps take up too much space, it is possible to divide them in the spring. Resistant to temperatures below -15°C, it does not require special protection to face the winter. Simple to grow and maintenance-free, succumb to the charm of this profusely flowering ground cover perennial.

Use of Aubrieta

Its cushion shape is perfect for drawing borders along driveways or paths. Planted on a wall in stone, its drooping port creates pink or mauve waterfalls. In pots and planters, aubrieta forms beautiful flowering tufts. Combine it with grasses or ferns in a dry garden. Take advantage of its early flowering to mix a few Aubrieta plants with multiple spring bulbs. Its ground cover habit allows the base of hedges persistent and thus occupy a void.

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