Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’
Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ is a striking and low-growing evergreen perennial, celebrated for its vibrant spring flowers and distinctive variegated foliage. With a trailing habit and cheerful violet-purple blooms, it’s perfect for brightening rockeries, walls, edging, and containers. This hardy, easy-care plant is ideal for gardeners looking to add long-lasting ground cover and colour with minimal fuss.
Quick Facts
Type: Evergreen perennial
Common Name: Aubrieta, Rock Cress
Flower Colour: Violet-purple
Foliage: Grey-green with creamy-white margins
Height: 10cm (0.3ft)
Spread: 60cm (2ft)
Flowering Time: March to May
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 to -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile, alkaline to neutral soil
Bright Spring Flowers
In early to mid-spring, Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ bursts into bloom with masses of small, violet-purple flowers that form a colourful carpet across the foliage. These dainty blooms are a welcome sight after winter, creating a vivid display when little else is in flower. Ideal for adding early-season colour to the garden.
Attractive Variegated Foliage
Unlike many other Aubrieta varieties, ‘Argenteovariegata’ features attractive grey-green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. This eye-catching variegation adds year-round interest, making the plant appealing even when not in bloom. The foliage forms a dense mat that softens hard edges and helps suppress weeds.
Low, Spreading Habit
This Aubrieta forms a low mound that spreads gently over time, making it ideal for edging paths, spilling over retaining walls, or covering the ground in gravel gardens and alpine beds. It’s particularly effective when planted in drifts or used to cascade down the sides of raised beds and containers.
Perfect for Sunny, Free-Draining Sites
Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially in raised beds, rock gardens, and slopes. It is very well-suited to alkaline or chalky soils but will also perform in neutral conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and rarely needs attention.
Great for Pollinators
The early blooms provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects, making this variety an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Growing Tips
Watering: Water regularly while establishing. Thereafter, only water during prolonged dry spells.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if desired, particularly in poor soils.
Pruning: Lightly trim back after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh growth.
Potted: Grows well in containers and troughs with free-draining compost and exposure to sun.
Propagation: Propagate by division or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
Hardy and Easy to Grow
Fully hardy across the UK, Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ is a reliable and long-lived perennial that requires very little care. It’s generally pest- and disease-free, making it perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for trouble-free ground cover.
Companion Planting Ideas
Create a stunning spring display by pairing with other low-growing sun-lovers such as:
-
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
These combinations provide a tapestry of colour and texture across the seasons.
Why Choose Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’?
For a vibrant spring show, year-round foliage interest, and a tidy spreading habit, Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ is a superb choice. Whether planted along walls, in rockeries, or trailing from containers, it brings brightness and structure to any sunny garden.
Choose Aubrieta ‘Argenteovariegata’ for early colour, evergreen beauty, and low-maintenance appeal in every corner of your garden.
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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