Arabis blepharophylla, commonly known as Rose Rock Cress or Fringed Rock Cress, is a compact, evergreen perennial known for its vivid magenta-pink flowers and low, spreading habit. Native to the coastal mountains of California, this eye-catching plant is perfect for rock gardens, gravel beds, walls, and sunny borders. It offers both excellent ground cover and a burst of early spring colour, all with minimal maintenance.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Common Name: Rose Rock Cress
Flower Colour: Magenta to deep pink
Height: 10cm (0.3ft)
Spread: 20cm (0.7ft)
Flowering Time: April to May
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 to -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gritty soil; tolerates poor soils and drought
Arabis blepharophylla lights up the garden in early spring with its profusion of bright pink to magenta blooms. The small, four-petalled flowers are borne in clusters above the foliage and create a cheerful display at a time when many other plants are still emerging. These vivid blooms provide a valuable early source of nectar for pollinators.
This variety forms a low-growing mat of soft, grey-green leaves with a gently fringed edge—hence its botanical name blepharophylla, meaning "eyelash-leaved." The evergreen foliage is attractive year-round, offering ground cover that’s both neat and weed-suppressing.
Arabis blepharophylla is particularly well-suited to rockeries, alpine troughs, dry walls, or the front of sunny borders. Its spreading nature makes it ideal for softening edges and filling gaps between paving stones. It thrives in poor, free-draining soils where other plants might struggle.
Once established, this plant is highly drought-tolerant and copes well in dry, sun-baked spots. The early-season flowers are especially attractive to bees and early pollinating insects, making it a useful addition to wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
This is a low-fuss perennial, ideal for busy or beginner gardeners. It requires little attention beyond an annual tidy-up and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. It’s best planted in open, sunny locations with excellent drainage.
Watering: Water well during establishment. Thereafter, only water in extended dry periods.
Feeding: Does not require feeding in poor soils. Avoid overfeeding, as it prefers lean conditions.
Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to keep the plant compact and tidy.
Potted: Ideal for shallow containers and alpine troughs with gritty compost.
Propagation: Easily propagated by division in spring or autumn or from seed.
Arabis blepharophylla is generally hardy in most UK gardens, particularly in sheltered, free-draining sites. In colder or wetter regions, winter protection such as gravel mulch or planting on a slope is recommended to prevent root rot.
This plant pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, low-growing species, such as:
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
These companions help create a colourful, textured tapestry in rock gardens or gravel plantings.
For a splash of intense spring colour, evergreen ground cover, and fuss-free performance, Arabis blepharophylla is a top choice. It’s perfect for dry, sunny spots and provides interest from early spring through the year with minimal care.
Bring vibrancy and texture to your garden with the long-lasting charm of Arabis blepharophylla.
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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