Arabis ‘Variegata’
Arabis ‘Variegata’ is a low-growing, evergreen perennial prized for its distinctive cream-edged foliage and masses of bright white spring flowers. This striking variety of Rock Cress brings long-lasting interest to the garden, combining vibrant early blooms with decorative year-round foliage. Perfect for rockeries, border edges, walls, and containers, it thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and offers effortless colour and structure with minimal maintenance.
Quick Facts
Type: Evergreen perennial
Common Name: Variegated Rock Cress
Flower Colour: White
Foliage Colour: Green with creamy-white margins
Height: 10cm (0.3ft)
Spread: 10cm (0.3ft)
Flowering Time: April to June
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 to -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile sandy or gritty soil
Crisp White Flowers in Spring
In early to mid-spring, Arabis ‘Variegata’ erupts into a display of pure white flowers held above the foliage in dense clusters. These blooms are a welcome sight after winter, providing a bright, cheerful carpet of colour that pairs beautifully with spring bulbs and other low-growing perennials.
Attractive Year-Round Foliage
Even when not in bloom, this plant remains an eye-catcher thanks to its variegated foliage. The small, toothed leaves are edged in creamy white, creating a soft yet eye-catching contrast against stone, gravel, or darker planting companions. Its neat, evergreen rosettes provide structure and colour all year round.
Ideal for Rockeries and Edging
Compact and spreading, Arabis ‘Variegata’ is perfectly suited to the front of borders, rockeries, alpine beds, gravel gardens, or the tops of dry stone walls. It grows well in shallow soils and thrives in sun-baked spots, gently cascading over edges and filling gaps with its mat-forming habit.
Pollinator-Friendly
The open, early flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees looking for food at the start of the season. Adding Arabis to your garden helps support wildlife while adding a splash of reliable spring colour.
Low Maintenance and Drought-Tolerant
This plant is well known for being easy to grow and care for. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and rarely troubled by pests or diseases. It needs no feeding in average soils and only benefits from a light trim after flowering to maintain its shape.
Growing Tips
Watering: Water well after planting; established plants only need watering during long dry spells.
Feeding: Not usually necessary in the ground; in containers, apply a light spring feed if needed.
Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to keep the plant compact and encourage fresh foliage.
Potted: Excellent in containers and alpine troughs; use free-draining, gritty compost.
Propagation: Easily propagated by division in spring or autumn, or by taking basal cuttings.
Fully Hardy and Weather-Resistant
Arabis ‘Variegata’ is hardy across most of the UK and will withstand cold winters, provided it is grown in well-drained soil. It’s especially valuable in exposed, sunny sites where few other plants thrive without extra care.
Companion Planting Ideas
Combine Arabis ‘Variegata’ with other low-growing, sun-loving perennials to create a vibrant spring display:
Together, these plants offer a textured and colourful ground layer perfect for dry, sunny spots.
Why Choose Arabis ‘Variegata’?
With its vivid spring flowers, eye-catching variegated foliage, and dependable evergreen form, Arabis ‘Variegata’ is a superb choice for gardeners seeking easy-care plants with year-round appeal. Whether used to edge borders, brighten rockeries, or cascade from containers, this versatile variety brings lasting beauty to any sunny garden space.
Choose Arabis ‘Variegata’ for effortless elegance, early-season colour, and dependable garden performance.
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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