How to Grow Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red'
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Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red'
Aubrieta × cultorum 'Bressingham Red'
flowerAubrieta 'Bressingham Red' is a vibrant red-flowering cultivar of the popular alpine rock garden plant. This compact, mat-forming perennial produces masses of small, four-petaled flowers in spring, creating a striking ground cover. It's highly prized for adding bold color to rock gardens, borders, and containers.
When should you plant Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red' in your zone?
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Example Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Aubrieta 'Bressingham Red' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with excellent cold hardiness to zone 3
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very small and delicate
Keep soil lightly moist, maintain bright light without direct heat. Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off. Transplant when first true leaves appear.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops low, creeping mats of small, narrow, blue-green foliage; compact cushion forms
Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater. Full sun promotes compact growth. Pinch back occasionally if too leggy.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear along trailing stems, typically in early spring; buds are tight and colorful
Maintain consistent moisture; reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Allow buds to develop naturally without excessive pruning.
Flowering
4-6 weeksProfuse four-petaled flowers in vibrant red blanket the foliage; peak bloom in spring (April-May)
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry. Provide air circulation to prevent mildew.
Post-flowering
Rest of growing seasonFlowers fade; foliage remains ornamental through summer and into fall/winter
Lightly trim after blooming to maintain compact shape and encourage growth for next season. Reduce water as temperatures cool.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand in early morning; use copper tape or barriers; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected foliage promptly, apply sulfur fungicide if severe
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Thin dense foliage for air flow, apply neem oil or sulfur spray, remove infected leaves
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Fine netting over young plants, insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
Uses
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe dense clusters of vibrant red flowers are excellent for spring bouquets and cottage garden arrangements. Stems cut in early morning last well in water. [source]
Rock garden and alpine features
HouseholdPerfect for rock gardens, alpine troughs, scree gardens, and between paving stones where its compact growth and vivid blooms create stunning displays. [source]
Early nectar source for pollinators
WildlifeProduces abundant early-season flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Critical food source in early spring. [source]
Groundcover and edging
HouseholdThe low-growing, spreading habit makes it ideal for edging garden beds, cascading over walls, or softening hard landscape features while providing continuous spring color. [source]
Container gardening
HouseholdThrives in pots, hanging baskets, and containers with good drainage, allowing easy cultivation in small spaces and stunning spring displays on patios. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental flower, not harvested for food. Cut stems for flower arrangements when in full bloom for best vase life (2-3 weeks). Deadhead spent flowers regularly during bloom season to extend flowering period.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Aubrieta is named after Claude Aubriet, an 18th-century French botanical painter, honoring his contributions to plant illustration.
- 🌱 'Bressingham Red' is a Bressingham Gardens cultivar, developed at the renowned British nursery famous for creating superior perennial selections.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, aubrieta is remarkably tough and can withstand cold winters down to zone 3, making it one of the most hardy ornamental perennials for alpine gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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