Aubrieta is also known as blue cushion plant. Aubrieta is a low-growing, abundantly flowering perennial that is especially valued for the dense carpet of flowers it creates in spring. The plant develops quickly spreading cushions of green, often evergreen foliage, topped with a profusion of small, colourful flowers. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, Aubrieta reaches a height of approximately 10 - 15 cm. Due to its creeping growth habit, the plant spreads easily and forms an attractive ground-covering mat. Aubrieta is particularly suitable for use along border edges, between stones and paving, in rock gardens, on low walls, in raised beds, and as a filler between other perennials. Because of its low growth, the plant looks beautiful at the front of a border, where it creates a soft and colourful transition between paving and planting. Aubrieta also grows very well in pots, containers, and on balconies. The small flowers appear in large numbers and are available in various colours, including blue, violet, purple, pink, and reddish shades. During the flowering period, the plant transforms into a striking floral cushion that not only provides ornamental value but also attracts bees and other pollinators.
Aubrieta combines beautifully with other low-growing spring-flowering plants and species that prefer a sunny, well-drained location. Attractive combinations include Saxifraga (rockfoil) for colourful planting in rock gardens and along walls, and creeping thyme (Thymus), which creates a fragrant and low-maintenance ground cover together with Aubrieta. Aubrieta also combines well with sun rose (Helianthemum), extending the flowering season into summer. The purple tones of lavender complement Aubrieta beautifully and create a Mediterranean atmosphere, while catmint (Nepeta) provides a natural combination with blue and purple shades. In addition, Aubrieta forms a beautiful green carpet around spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths. For healthy growth, Aubrieta needs a sunny position in a dry, well-drained soil. The plant thrives especially well in calcareous, stony soils, such as those often found in rock gardens and along walls. Soil that remains too wet, especially during winter, can cause root problems. After flowering, the plant can be lightly trimmed to keep it compact, healthy, and attractive. Thanks to its easy growth, long lifespan, evergreen character, and abundant spring flowering, Aubrieta is a valuable plant for any garden. It is ideal for rock gardens, natural gardens, borders, walls, pots, and balcony containers, providing a colourful carpet of flowers every spring. Aubrieta is highly appreciated by bees, butterflies, bumblebees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. It flowers from April to June. Hardy perennial. Height: 10 - 15 cm.
Outdoor sowing: May - half July
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp. : 15 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Plant distance: 10 - 20 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Flowering period: April - June
Sow Aubrieta directly outdoors from early May to mid-July in a well-prepared seedbed. Choose a location with loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Before sowing, finely prepare the soil and remove any weeds so that the young seedlings have enough space to develop. Sow the small seeds thinly and shallowly. Do not cover the seeds, or cover them only with a very thin layer of fine soil, as Aubrieta needs light to germinate properly. After sowing, gently press the seeds down so they make good contact with the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period, but avoid making the soil too wet. A stable temperature of 15 - 18 °C promotes even germination. Germination usually takes 14 - 21 days. During this period, keep the seedbed free from weeds so that the young plants are not crowded out. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned to a spacing of 10 - 15 cm. This gives the young plants enough room to develop strong roots and a compact growth habit.
From October onwards, the young plants can be transplanted to their permanent position in the garden. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with a well-drained, calcareous and nutrient-rich soil. When planting out, keep a distance of approximately 10 - 20 cm between plants, allowing them to develop later into a dense carpet of flowers. Water the plants regularly after transplanting until they are well established. During dry periods, it is important to provide sufficient water and prevent the plants from drying out completely, especially when they are growing in a sunny position. With the right care, Aubrieta develops into a compact, evergreen ground cover that produces an abundant carpet of colourful flowers in spring.
