Arabis caucasica
Goat's cress
Common names: Caucasian goat's cress, Rock goat's cress
Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
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Description
The goat's cress (botanically Arabis caucasica) is a low, evergreen cushion plant from the Caucasus that thrives in rock gardens and on wall crowns. From March to May it develops a dense white flower carpet, providing early-season forage for bees and bumblebees. Its gray‑green, slightly fibrous leaves remain on the shoots even in winter, adding structure when the bed is otherwise quiet. It grows contentedly on lean, well‑drained soils and spreads loosely in a creeping manner without crowding other plants.
Care instructions
Plant goat's cress in a sunny to full‑sun position on well‑drained, rather lean soil; heavy, clayey soil is poorly tolerated. A spacing of 20 to 30 cm is sufficient, as the plant will close into a dense cushion over time. After flowering in June, prune to about half the height to keep the growth compact and encourage a second, weaker flowering in late summer. Water only during persistent dryness and avoid additional fertilisation; excess nutrients make the cushion loose and less winter‑hardy. In a pot or on a wall crown it tolerates frost well and requires no winter protection.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lime-loving, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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