How to Grow Rock Cress (Arabis)

Pink or white fragrant flowers on cushion-forming plants are a feature of this spring-blooming plant. It's good for rockeries and sunny garden pockets.

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Spades
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants

Instructions

Choosing Rock Cress

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer.

2. Buy rock cress in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaf and flower bud.

Planting Rock Cress

1. Plant rock cress in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in containers.

4. 

   Set the plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

5. 

   Apply a dusting of dolomite lime on top of the soil around the plant.

6. 

   Mulch around but not on top of the plant with 3 inches of organic compost.

7. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Rock Cress

1. Shear the plant back after flowering using scissors or bypass pruners.