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Description
Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue, also known as Aubrieta deltoidea, is an evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that produces stunning clusters of sky blue flowers from early spring to early summer. The plant is native to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, but is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world. Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It can grow up to 4-6 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide, forming a dense mat of small, lobed leaves that are typically green or gray-green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta (Seed Plants) |
| Class | Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Aubrieta |
| Species | Aubrieta deltoidea |
Appearance
Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is a beautiful plant that produces showy clusters of sky blue flowers from early spring to early summer. The flowers are small, about 0.5 inches in diameter, but they are produced in profusion, covering the plant with a carpet of blue. The flowers have four petals that are arranged in a cross shape, typical of the Brassicaceae family. The plant grows up to 4-6 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide, forming a dense mat of small, lobed leaves that are typically green or gray-green in color. The leaves are evergreen, meaning they stay on the plant throughout the year, providing year-round interest.
Care Guide
Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, but it thrives in well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline. Here’s a guide on how to take care of Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water as this can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Add compost or grit to improve drainage if necessary.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug pellets or other control methods to keep them at bay.Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.Black spot: This fungal disease can cause black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue is native to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some drought. The plant is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world, including North America, where it is used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and as a border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue can be grown in containers as long as the container is well-drained and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: How often should Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue be fertilized?
A: Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: How can I propagate Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue?
A: Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil.Q: Does Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its showy blue flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Aubrieta Audrey Sky Blue:- Aubrieta ‘Dr. Mules Variegata’- Aubrieta ‘Cascade Blue’- Aubrieta ‘Royal Mix’- Arabis caucasica (Caucasian rockcress)- Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
References
– “Aubrieta deltoidea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b776- “Aubrieta deltoidea.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2428/Aubrieta-deltoidea/Details- “Aubrieta deltoidea.” Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/aubrieta-deltoidea-aubrietia
