How to Grow Aubrieta

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Aubrieta

Aubrieta deltoidea

flower

Aubrieta is a low-growing, spreading perennial known for its vibrant purple, pink, red, or white flowers that bloom profusely in spring. This Mediterranean native forms dense mats of small, evergreen foliage and is highly valued for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and cascading over walls. It's an excellent early-season nectar source for pollinators.

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Example Aubrieta timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Aubrieta
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Aubrieta blooms
Around Apr 29

≈ 12 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Aubrieta dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; afternoon shade tolerated in hot climates

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Water: Moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established. Water during dry spells but avoid waterlogging. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms first spring after planting from transplants; flowering typically occurs 12-16 weeks from seed

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds; press lightly into soil without covering (requires light to germinate). Transplants should be at same depth as nursery pot.

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil, gritty loam preferred

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand Gravel or grit Compost for structure but avoid heavy organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-9, with best performance in cooler zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 small oval leaves emerge within 10-14 days. Very delicate with minimal root development.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Maintain cool temperatures (60-65°F). Protect from direct hot sun initially.

Vegetative

4-8 weeks

Plant develops deeper root system and produces more foliage. Gradually forms a small rosette with multiple stems branching from base. Foliage is small, narrow, and grows densely.

Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Water moderately; avoid letting soil dry completely. No fertilizer needed; too much nitrogen encourages soft growth.

Establishment

6-12 weeks

Plant develops into a compact mound 4-6 inches tall. Evergreen foliage becomes denser and more vigorous. Root system establishes well in first season.

Water during dry periods but allow soil to dry between waterings. Mulch lightly with grit around (not against) stems. Monitor for fungal issues in wet conditions. Once established, reduce watering frequency.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (typically April-May in most zones)

Dense clusters of small, four-petaled flowers cover foliage in shades of purple, magenta, pink, red, or white. Can completely obscure leaves at peak bloom.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and promote bushier growth. Support cascading varieties over walls if needed. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Post-Bloom & Dormancy

Summer-winter dormancy, 6+ months

Flowers fade after 4-6 weeks. Plant returns to compact foliage mound. In cold climates, evergreen foliage may develop purplish or bronze tones.

Cut back lightly by 1/3 after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage fuller growth next season. Reduce watering. In winter, protect crowns from excess moisture but don't allow complete desiccation.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Creeping phlox Candytuft Alyssum Dwarf dianthus Sedums Alpine phlox Saxifrage Saponaria

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring rich, moist soil Dense shade-casting plants Aggressively spreading perennials that compete for space

Common Pests

and (Phytophthora and Pythium species)
Ensure excellent drainage; use gritty soil mix. Water at soil level only. Remove affected plants. Avoid waterlogging and overhead watering. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings.
Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Remove affected leaves. Spray with sulfur dust or neem oil if severe. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer.
and
Remove debris that provides shelter. Handpick at dusk. Use copper tape barriers. Apply slug pellets or diatomaceous earth around plants.
Spray foliage with water to increase humidity. Use insecticidal soap. Maintain adequate moisture to discourage mites in hot weather.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.

Uses

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Early Pollinator Food Source

Wildlife

Aubrieta's profuse spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for hungry bees, butterflies, and other early-season pollinators emerging from dormancy. It's one of the first reliable nectar sources in cool climates. [source]

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Cascading Garden Displays

Craft

The trailing, mounding growth habit makes aubrieta ideal for spilling over rock walls, raised beds, container edges, and alpine troughs, creating colorful waterfall effects in spring gardens. [source]

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Rock Garden and Alpine Gardening

Household

Aubrieta is a classic alpine plant for scree gardens, gravel beds, and rocky outcrops. Its low stature and drought tolerance once established make it perfect for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. [source]

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Edible Garnish

Culinary

The delicate flowers are edible and mildly peppery, making them suitable as an ornamental garnish for salads and desserts, though they're rarely used culinarily in modern kitchens. [source]

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Traditional European Herbalism

Medicinal

Aubrieta has limited traditional use in European herbalism for minor digestive and respiratory support, though evidence is largely anecdotal and it's not widely used in modern herbal medicine. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Aubrieta is an ornamental flower, not harvested for consumption. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage longer flowering and maintain plant shape. Flowers are excellent for cutting and last several days in a vase.

Fun Facts

🌱 Aubrieta is named after Claude Aubriet, an 18th-century French botanical artist and naturalist who traveled with botanical expeditions to the Levant.
🌱 The plant is native to rocky, mountainous regions around the Mediterranean, Caucasus, and Iran, where it thrives on nearly vertical cliff faces in nutrient-poor conditions.
🌱 In ideal spring conditions, aubrieta can produce so many flowers that the foliage is almost completely hidden, creating the appearance of a solid mass of color.

Gardening Terms

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

Crown Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial

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