Arabis alpina, also known as mountain rock-cress or alpine rock cress, is a perennial plant. This means that it lives for more than two years, coming back year after year. Perennials are a great addition to any garden because they provide long-lasting beauty and are relatively low-maintenance.
I have personally worked with Arabis alpina in garden settings, and it has always been a reliable and resilient plant. Its evergreen nature adds a touch of greenery to the garden, even in the colder months when many other plants have gone dormant.
One of the great benefits of Arabis alpina being a perennial is that it doesn’t need to be replanted each year. This saves time and effort in the garden, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Once established, Arabis alpina forms a mat-like growth habit, spreading slowly but steadily. This can be a lovely groundcover option, especially in rock gardens or along pathways.
The tufted and procumbent growth habit of Arabis alpina creates a beautiful carpet-like effect, with its small, delicate leaves and petite white flowers. It typically grows to a height of 8-10 inches, but can spread to 20 inches or more. This makes it ideal for filling in gaps between larger plants or as a border plant along the edge of a garden bed.
In terms of care, Arabis alpina is generally low-maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment phase, but once the plant is established, it is quite drought-tolerant. Pruning is not usually required, but if desired, you can trim back any overgrown or leggy stems to maintain a neater appearance.
Arabis alpina is also known for its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden. This can be beneficial for overall garden health and biodiversity. It’s always a joy to see these beautiful creatures fluttering around the flowers, adding an extra touch of life to the garden.
Arabis alpina is a perennial plant that brings beauty and resilience to any garden. Its mat-forming growth habit, evergreen foliage, and delicate flowers make it a versatile and attractive choice. With its low-maintenance nature and ability to attract pollinators, it is a wonderful addition to any landscape.
