Hairy Rockcress (Arabis hirsuta)

Hairy Rockcress

Arabis hirsuta

It carpets rocky slopes with tiny white blooms, a quiet wild beauty. Herbaceous perennial wildflower; common name: hairy rockcress.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, rocky sites with minimal competition
💧
Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought tolerant once established
🌡️
Temperature Extremely cold hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -30°C; tolerates warm summer conditions up to 30°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of hairy, oblong to spatulate leaves; stem leaves are smaller, clasping the stem
  • Flower: Tiny white four-petaled blooms arranged in dense terminal racemes
  • Stem: Erect, hairy stems that branch near the upper portion
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during active growth to support blooming; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can reduce flowering and promote leggy growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to boost calcium levels without risking root burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage extended flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding
  • Trim back faded foliage in late autumn to tidy the planting area
  • Remove damaged or diseased stems at the base to maintain plant health
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower garden, rock garden, pollinator habitat support for bees and butterflies