How big does Rose rock cress grow?

About 15 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–20 cm × 15–35 cm.

What soil does Rose rock cress grow in?

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

Is Rose rock cress hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Rose rock cress flower?

Flowering: April–June, pink, purple.

How much water does Rose rock cress need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Rose rock cress cost?

It sells for roughly €2.90 to €3.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Rose rock cress

Arabis blepharophylla

Rose rock cress (Arabis blepharophylla) is a ground cover plant that reaches 15 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €2.90.

Illustration of Rose 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

A low rock garden perennial of evergreen leaf rosettes that covers itself in deep rose-pink to purplish, lightly scented flower clusters in early spring, far brighter than the usual white rock cresses. Use it in a rock garden, on top of a retaining wall, in gravel, a trough or a pot; it is mostly sold as 'Frühlingszauber' (Spring Charm) and 'Rote Sensation'. It is short-lived and thins out after a few years, so let it seed around or raise replacements, and only plant it where water never stands in winter.

Watch out for

Short-lived, often good for only two or three years. It does not survive winter wet and rots in heavy, waterlogged soil; sources disagree widely on its hardiness and it is more tender than other rock cresses, so a light cover of conifer branches helps in cold, snowless winters. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the centre of the cushion can burn out, so a spot shaded from the midday sun is safer there. Aphids, downy mildew and white blister can occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 15 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, pink, purple

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	15 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	10–20 cm × 15–35 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–June, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
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	25 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €2.90

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. €2.90 – €3.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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