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Description
Arabis Alpina, also known as Alpine Rockcress, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to alpine regions of Europe and can be found growing in rocky terrain, on cliffs, and in mountain meadows. It is a hardy perennial that produces showy white flowers in early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Arabis |
Appearance
Arabis Alpina is a compact, mat-forming plant that grows up to 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has small, narrow, dark green leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. In early spring, it produces clusters of fragrant, white, four-petaled flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers are held on upright stems that rise above the foliage.
Care Guide
Arabis Alpina is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your Alpine Rockcress healthy:
- Water: Water regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, clay soils.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun or partial shade. Arabis Alpina prefers cool temperatures and will appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Hardiness Zones: Arabis Alpina is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arabis Alpina is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids and powdery mildew. Here are some tips to help you prevent and treat these common problems:
- Aphids: Spray with a solution of water and dish soap to kill aphids. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to help control the population.
- Powdery Mildew: Keep the foliage dry and well-ventilated to prevent powdery mildew. If it does occur, spray with a fungicide.
Habitat
Arabis Alpina is native to alpine regions of Europe, where it grows in rocky terrain, on cliffs, and in mountain meadows. It is a hardy plant that is adapted to cold temperatures and can tolerate harsh growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arabis Alpina a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, Arabis Alpina is an excellent choice for rock gardens as it is a low-growing plant that is well-suited to rocky, well-draining soil.
Q: Does Arabis Alpina attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Arabis Alpina produces fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Arabis Alpina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Arabis Alpina can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How can I propagate Arabis Alpina?
A: Arabis Alpina can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant, separate the clumps, and replant them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Arabis blepharophylla (Coast Rockcress)
- Arabis caucasica (Caucasian Rockcress)
- Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii (Ferdinand Coburg Rockcress)
- Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rockcress)
References
- “Arabis Alpina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284170&isprofile=0&
- “Arabis Alpina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7055/arabis-alpina/details
- “Arabis Alpina.” The Spruce. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/alpine-rockcress-profile-3269196
