Contents
Description
Arabis Verna, commonly known as spring rock cress, is a beautiful biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to Europe and western Asia but is now widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental plant. Arabis Verna is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that produces a profusion of small, white, four-petaled flowers in early spring. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and hairy, and they form a dense rosette at the base of the plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Arabis |
Appearance
Arabis Verna is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of only 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) and a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). It has narrow, hairy leaves that form a basal rosette. The leaves are green and slightly toothed. In early spring, Arabis Verna produces a profusion of small, white, four-petaled flowers that are about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) in diameter. The flowers are very fragrant and attract bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant produces elongated seed pods that turn brown when mature.
Care Guide
Arabis Verna is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of spring rock cress:
- Water: Arabis Verna prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in water. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Spring rock cress does not require fertilization. However, if you want to promote more flowers, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Soil: Arabis Verna prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy, you can add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Spring rock cress prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Hardiness Zones: Arabis Verna is hardy in zones 3-7 and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Arabis Verna is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage worms: These green caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. You can control them by picking them off by hand or by applying Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
- Clubroot: This soil-borne disease can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and swollen roots. Unfortunately, there is no cure for clubroot, so the best way to prevent it is to practice crop rotation and use clean soil and tools.
Habitat
Arabis Verna is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils in meadows, woodlands, and open slopes. In North America, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, borders, and containers. Spring rock cress prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate some frost and snow.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arabis Verna a perennial or a biennial?
A: Arabis Verna can be either a biennial or a perennial, depending on the growing conditions and the climate.
Q: Can Arabis Verna tolerate drought?
A: Arabis Verna prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought very well. If the soil dries out, the plant may wilt and die.
Q: Can I grow Arabis Verna in a container?
A: Yes, Arabis Verna can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-drained.
Q: How often should I fertilize Arabis Verna?
A: Arabis Verna does not require fertilization. However, if you want to promote more flowers, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Related Plants
- Arabis alpina
- Arabis caucasica
- Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii
- Arabis procurrens
References
- “Arabis Verna.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 June 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275789&isprofile=0&cv=5>.
- “Arabis Verna.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 14 June 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1413/Arabis-verna/Details>.
- “Spring Rockcress.” Fine Gardening. Accessed 14 June 2021. <https://www.finegardening.com/plant/spring-rockcress-arabis-verna>.
