Grow Purple Rockcress flowers from fresh Aubrieta deltoidea flower seeds. Purple rockcress is a perennial flowering plant that produces small purple flowers. It will only grow to a mature height of just 4 to 6 inches tall, and is aptly named for it’s use in rock gardens and as a groundcover. Because Purple Rockcress is categorized as a perennial, it will grow the first year and return the following year from roots. Aubrieta is a sweetly scented groundcover that will attract an array of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, hummingbirds, as well as butterflies & ladybugs.
Purple Rockcress flower seeds are small in size, but are in no comparison to most other ground covers such as “Creeping Thyme” or “Ice Plant”. They are easily established from fresh groundcover seed, directly outdoors. they can be transplanted as well, but require a bit more time and patience when choosing their location. The mature plants of Purple Rockcress can spread to about 12 to 24 inches easily.
Try adding this plant with other groundcovers for a mixture of colors. Rockcress can be used in raised flower beds, pots & containers, hanging baskets and more. Allowing the attractive flowering foliage to hang over the sides for a dramatic floral display.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower / Groundcover
- Color: Purple
- Height: 4″ – 6″ Tall
- Width: 12″ – 24″ Spread
- Season: Perennial
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Although Rockcress seeds are a little larger than most ground cover seeds, they can still be sown directly to the surface of the soil as they will require light to germinate. If starting directly outdoors, remove all unwanted plant life prior to sowing. Turn the soil, or replace it with new soil mixed with compost.
Purple Rockcress flower seeds can also be started indoors in peat pots, but this will require a little more patience when transplanting to areas outdoors. Sowing Rockcress indoors is a great way to get a jump start on the growing season however, and is recommended for transplanting in raised flower beds and other containers later on.
Growing Conditions
Purple Rockcress flower seeds & plants will require an area of full sunlight to partial shade for the majority of the day. A temperature of at least 70F is recommended for proper germination to occur. The soil should be rich, but also well draining. If your sowing area consists of hard compact soil, try mixing in a light compost mixture to improve drainage. Water the flower seeds daily so that the soil is kept moist until germination occurs.
Germination & Growth
Purple rockcress flower seeds will begin to germinate within roughly 21 to 28 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of 4 to 6 inches tall and about 12 to 24 inches long or wide. Purple Rockcress can be spaced roughly 8 to 12 inches apart from one another. Plants add a dramatic cluster of purple flowers that hang over containers, pots and raised flower beds.