Tower Rockcress (Arabis turrita)

Tower Rockcress

Arabis turrita

Elegant spires of tiny white blooms elevate garden borders. Biennial or short-lived perennial; common name: Tower Rockcress.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in cool, exposed garden sites and tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water regularly during active spring growth; drought tolerant once established in summer
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands light spring frost and cool summer temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of oblong, hairy leaves; stem leaves are smaller, clasping, and finely toothed
  • Flower: Dense terminal racemes of 4-petaled white, faintly fragrant blooms
  • Stem: Erect, branched stems covered in fine, silvery hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote abundant blooms rather than foliage growth

Banana peel tea:Steep 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1L water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 before applying as a root drench to support flowering
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms after flowering to encourage self-seeding and tidy clumps
  • Cut back faded foliage to ground level in late summer to promote new basal growth
  • Remove damaged or yellowing leaves in early spring to improve air circulation
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental rock garden plant, border edging, and pollinator-friendly specimen