Rock Cress Cascade
Rock Cress Cascade
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600 Seeds
Seeding Aubrieta × cultorum 'Rock Cress Cascade' is a wonderful way to establish a low-growing, mat-forming perennial that spills beautifully over rocks, walls, and borders. With its vibrant purple, violet, or pink blooms in early spring, it’s a favorite for rock gardens, crevice plantings, and spring pollinator borders.
Growing Aubrieta from seed takes patience, but it results in long-lasting, drought-tolerant plants that return year after year.
🌸 Aubrieta × cultorum 'Rock Cress Cascade' – Seeding Guide
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Evergreen perennial (zones 4–9) |
| Height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Bloom Time | Early to mid-spring (March–May) |
| Light | Full sun (essential for best flowering) |
| Soil | Well-drained, alkaline to neutral, gritty |
| Best Use | Rock gardens, walls, edging, slopes, containers |
| Attracts | Bees, early pollinators |
🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions
1. When to Sow
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Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost
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Outdoors: Spring or late summer/early fall (mild climates only)
2. Seed Preparation
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No cold stratification needed
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Seeds are small—handle carefully
3. Indoor Sowing (Recommended)
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Containers | Seed trays or shallow pots with good drainage |
| Soil | Light, well-draining seed-starting mix |
| Sowing Depth | Surface sow – do not cover; press in gently |
| Light | Needs light to germinate – use bright light or grow lights |
| Temperature | 18–22°C (65–72°F) |
| Germination | 14–21 days (can be erratic—be patient) |
4. After Germination
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Thin or prick out seedlings once large enough to handle
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Transplant to individual pots once 2–3 true leaves appear
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Harden off outdoors before planting in the garden
5. Transplanting Outdoors
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Spacing: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart
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Timing: After last frost in spring or in early fall
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Site: Full sun; avoid soggy or overly rich soils
☀️ Growing Conditions
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, gritty or sandy, slightly alkaline |
| Water | Low to moderate; do not overwater |
| Fertilizer | Avoid rich fertilizer—can reduce flowering |
✂️ Care Tips
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Shear back after flowering to keep compact and encourage rebloom
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Avoid cutting into old woody stems (may not regrow)
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Mulch with grit, not compost, especially in winter
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Drought-tolerant once established
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Can be divided every 2–3 years in early fall
🌼 Bonus Benefits
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Evergreen foliage provides year-round groundcover
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Pairs well with creeping phlox, arabis, alyssum, and thyme
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Excellent for softening edges of stone walls or pavers
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Helps prevent erosion on slopes
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