Flowers That Will Grow in Rocks

Rocky terrain can be difficult to clear properly. For that reason, many home gardeners choose to work with rocks rather than get rid of them. In fact, cultivating a rock garden has many benefits. Plants that grow in rocks are usually drought tolerant and hardy, which means that the home gardener will spend less money on water and less time caring for the plants.

Mountain Alyssum

Mountain alyssum (Alyssum montanum) is a low-growing, spreading plant that thrives in hot, dry, rocky environments. The plant blooms in early spring with bright yellow flowers that are striking against the plant's silvery-gray foliage. Goldentuft alyssum also grows well in rocks.

Sedum Species

Sedum plants are an excellent choice for rock gardens, according to Colorado State University. This spreading plant has thick, succulent leaves and grows with minimum care. 'Autumn Joy' is a cultivar distinctive for its autumn blooms. The flower heads open to a light-pink color in August and slowly turn darker as summer progresses to autumn. Sedum album thrives in poor soils and has showy bronze-colored leaves.

Brilliant Maiden Pink

'Brilliant Maiden Pink' is a cultivar of Dianthus deltoides that features exceptionally bright pink flowers and very thick foliage. This mounding habit of this plant, coupled with the lush, deep-green foliage shows well against rocks. D. deltoides grows to a maximum height of 8 inches and will tolerate full sun or partial shade.

Hosta Species

Hosta plants are grown for their variegated foliage. They are desirable for their ability to grow in the shade. For this reason, hostas are a good choice for areas in rocks that are shaded by other rocks or plants. Species range in size from only 4 inches tall to over a foot tall. Most bloom in the spring with white or blue flowers.

Carpet Bugle

Carpet bugle (Ajuga reptans) is so named for its very low, lush growth, which looks almost like a carpet. This plant will spread and surround rocks. It is often chosen for growth among flagstone or stepping stones. 'Atropurpurea' is a cultivar distinctive for its deeply purple foliage. All cultivars thrive in sun or part shade and bloom in the spring.

References

• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension; Rock Gardens -- Alternatives to Turf; James Feucht, Ph.D
• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension; Rock Garden Plants; J.E. Klett, et al.; July 2005
• Washington State University Extension; Rock Gardens and Rock Garden Plants; Sydney McCrea; January 2005