Coast Rock Cress Lights 'Frühlingszauber'

Arabis blepharophylla 'Frühlingszauber' (Spring Charm) is a vibrant and early-flowering ground cover that brings a splash of intense colour to the UK garden in March and April. It forms a low-growing mound of dark green foliage from which emerge numerous short stems topped with clusters of fragrant, bright rose-purple flowers. This species is native to rocky coastal areas, so it is well-adapted to well-drained, gritty soils and exposed positions. It is perfect for rockeries, scree gardens, or as a border edging. While it is short-lived compared to some perennials, it often self-seeds in suitable conditions. To maintain its compact shape, it should be trimmed back after flowering has finished. It is fully hardy but does not like to sit in waterlogged soil during the winter months. Its fragrance is a bonus, attracting early-season pollinators like bumblebees. It is a cheerful plant that signals the true start of spring in the garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, gritty soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr, May.