How to Grow Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold'

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Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold'

Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica 'Old Gold'

flower

Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' is a compact, low-growing evergreen perennial prized for its golden-yellow variegated foliage and delicate white flowers. This alpine cultivar is ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and border edging, offering year-round ornamental interest. It thrives in cool climates and well-drained conditions, making it a favorite among alpine plant enthusiasts.

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Example Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' blooms
Around May 27

≈ 40 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade helpful in zones 6-7 to reduce heat stress

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Water: Low to moderate water needs; water sparingly once established. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues. Reduce watering in winter; extremely drought-tolerant.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 40-60 days from transplant to flowering; blooms appear in spring

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Planting depth: Transplants: set crown at soil surface; seeds: surface sow or press lightly into soil (requires light to germinate)

Soil

Type: Well-draining gritty loam or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand (30-40% of soil mix) Gravel or small stones Compost for organic matter (minimal) Avoid heavy clay or organic-rich soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-7; prefers cooler climates and struggles in hot, humid summers

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny rosettes emerge with 2-4 small rounded leaves showing early golden variegation; very delicate appearance.

Keep soil barely moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain cool temperatures (60-65°F), ensure excellent air circulation to prevent damping off. Grow under fluorescent lights if indoors.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Compact mounding plant develops dense rosettes of small golden-yellow and green variegated foliage; height reaches 6-8 inches with spreading habit.

Establish deep, infrequent watering to encourage root development. Provide full sun and good drainage. Avoid fertilizer (promotes soft growth in alpines). Remove any plain green reversions by pinching out.

Pre-Flowering

1-2 weeks

Flowering stems begin to elongate from the rosettes; tiny flower buds form at stem tips in early spring; plant remains compact.

Maintain cool, dry conditions. Reduce watering further. Ensure excellent drainage as wet soil in spring encourages rot. No fertilizer needed.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (spring, typically April-May)

Abundant small white flowers (sometimes with pink tinges) bloom in dense clusters on 6-10 inch stems above the variegated foliage; creates airy, delicate appearance.

Keep soil on the dry side. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain tidiness. Provide excellent air circulation to prevent mildew. This stage is the plant's showiest period.

Post-Flowering & Dormancy

6-8 months

Flowers fade and seed pods form; foliage remains ornamental with golden variegation. Plant enters semi-dormant phase in hot months or full dormancy in winter.

Remove seed heads if self-seeding is not desired. Reduce watering significantly in summer heat. In fall, cut back any dead or shabby growth but leave bulk of foliage intact for winter protection. Extremely low maintenance during this phase.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Saxifrage Sempervivum Dianthus Sedum Phlox subulata Alpine forget-me-not Creeping thyme Alyssum Chives Armeria

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (hostas, ferns, astilbe) Heavy feeders (roses, dahlias) Plants requiring rich, organic soil Tall aggressive growers that will shade it Plants sensitive to cold winters

Common Pests

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Hand-pick at night; use copper tape barriers; remove debris and dense ground covers where they hide; apply organic slug bait if severe
Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; usually not a major issue on established plants
Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, reduce humidity, apply sulfur dust or neem oil spray at first sign; in humid zones, may require preventative spraying
This is the main threat; ensure excellent drainage, reduce watering, improve air circulation, remove affected plants, do not mulch heavily around crown

Uses

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Alpine & Rock Gardens

Ornamental

Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' is a classic alpine plant perfect for rock gardens, alpine troughs, scree gardens, and alpine raised beds. Its low, mounding habit and delicate spring flowers create authentic alpine garden displays. [source]

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Variegated Foliage Interest

Ornamental

'Old Gold' provides year-round golden-yellow variegation in the foliage, offering ornamental interest even when not in bloom. The variegation is especially striking in cool seasons. [source]

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Border Edging & Groundcover

Ornamental

Its compact, spreading habit makes it excellent for edging rock garden borders, alpine borders, or raised beds. It creates a neat, low edge approximately 6-8 inches tall. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The abundant small white spring flowers attract early-season bees, including alpine bees in cool regions. It provides essential early nectar and pollen when few other alpine flowers are blooming. [source]

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Botanical Collections

Craft

'Old Gold' is a prized specimen for alpine plant collectors and botanical enthusiasts. It's often featured in specialty alpine plant shows and botanical gardens. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental flower, not harvested for food or material crops. Deadhead spent flowers regularly (throughout spring flowering season) to promote continued blooming and neaten appearance. Cut back foliage by 25-30% after flowering if desired to refresh the plant. Save some flowers for seed if you wish to propagate; allow a few flower heads to fully dry on the plant, then collect seed in late spring/early summer.

Fun Facts

🌱 Alpine Rock Cress is native to the alpine regions of the Caucasus Mountains and has been cultivated by alpine plant enthusiasts for centuries; 'Old Gold' is a relatively modern cultivar selected for its distinctive golden variegation.
🌱 This plant's white flowers have a delicate, slightly sweet scent that is more pronounced on warm spring days; in cool alpine climates, the fragrance may be barely perceptible.
🌱 Alpine Rock Cress 'Old Gold' is one of the hardiest variegated alpines and can tolerate extended freezing with no damage to foliage, making it exceptional for mountain gardens and northern regions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Perennial pH

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