Mountain rock cress and Rock rose are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Arabis caucasica 20 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
It forms a cushion of grey-green evergreen leaf rosettes that disappears in early spring under lightly scented white flowers, pink in some…
Helianthemum × hybridum 25 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
Hybrid rock roses are low, spreading evergreen subshrubs with grey-green or silvery foliage that cover themselves from late May to midsummer in white,…
Rock rose grows larger: 25 cm × 60 cm after ten years, against 20 cm × 45 cm for Mountain rock cress.
Mountain rock cress is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Rock rose.
Rock rose needs less care than Mountain rock cress.
|
Feature
|
Mountain rock cress
|
Rock rose
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 20 cm × 45 cm | 25 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–30 cm × 30–50 cm | 10–30 cm × 30–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | March–May, white, pink | May–July, white, yellow, orange, red, pink |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 40 cm |
| Typical price | approx. €4.70 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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