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.
Rock rose needs less care than Mountain rock cress.
Mountain rock cress is the better choice if space is tight.
Rock rose is the better choice if you have little time for care.
|
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 (uncertain) |
| 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) |
| Heat tolerance | Medium | Medium (uncertain) |
| 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. CZK 69 | approx. CZK 71 |
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 17, 2026
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