How big does Mountain rock cress grow?

About 20 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 30–50 cm.

What soil does Mountain rock cress grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Mountain rock cress hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Mountain rock cress flower?

Flowering: March–May, white, pink.

How much water does Mountain rock cress need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Mountain rock cress

Arabis caucasica

Mountain rock cress (Arabis caucasica) is a ground cover plant that reaches 20 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

Illustration of Mountain rock cress — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

It forms a cushion of grey-green evergreen leaf rosettes that disappears in early spring under lightly scented white flowers, pink in some varieties. It suits sunny rock gardens, the tops of retaining walls and dry banks, in lean, limy, free-draining soil, where it also copes well with drought. Shear it after flowering, otherwise it goes bare in the middle and wears out within a few years.

Watch out for

In heavy, wet soil it is lost to root rot, mainly in winter, and in damp, humid spots downy mildew and white rust attack the leaves. Hot summers in Central Europe stress it and it may thin out. Aphids and flea beetles can also damage it. If it is not cut back after flowering it grows leggy and bare and becomes short-lived.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, white, pink

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 30–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	March–May, white, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Evergreen plants Plants for a Mediterranean garden Rock garden plants Fragrant plants

Compare with similar plants

Mountain rock cress vs Creeping thyme Mountain rock cress vs Rock rose

Looks good next to it

Small scabious

Scabiosa columbaria

Boston ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Blue oat grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens