Aubrieta ‘Crimson’

Aubrieta 'Crimson' is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is grown for its vivid crimson spring flowers and evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. More sun generally supports denser growth and heavier flowering, while afternoon shade can help in very hot climates.

Water Aubrieta 'Crimson' moderately while it establishes, then allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Reduce watering after establishment, especially in fall and winter.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' usually keeps foliage through winter in mild conditions, although leaves may thin or suffer some browning in severe cold or wet weather. Excellent drainage helps preserve the foliage.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' is typically a very low perennial that spreads wider than it grows tall. Exact dimensions are not consistently documented for this cultivar, but comparable aubrieta forms commonly reach about 4–6 inches tall and spread 12–24 inches.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' is cold hardy when planted in sharply drained soil, but a cultivar-specific USDA zone rating is not consistently published. Protect it from prolonged winter wet, which is often more damaging than cold.

Yes, Aubrieta 'Crimson' can grow in partial shade, particularly where summers are hot. Flowering is usually strongest with several hours of direct sunlight each day.

Use gritty, sharply drained soil for Aubrieta 'Crimson'. A rock-garden mix or ordinary soil amended with grit and gravel is preferable to heavy, water-retentive clay.

Yes, Aubrieta 'Crimson' is well suited to rock gardens, gravel beds, raised edges, and crevices with excellent drainage. Its spreading habit allows it to soften rocks and hardscape.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' can grow in wall crevices and between lightly used pavers when the planting pockets contain gritty soil. It does not tolerate frequent foot traffic or compacted, poorly drained gaps.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' becomes moderately drought tolerant after establishment. Water during prolonged heat or drought, but avoid frequent irrigation that keeps the crown and roots constantly wet.

Brown or bare growth at the center commonly results from age, excess moisture, poor airflow, or insufficient light. Improve drainage and lightly trim the plant after flowering to encourage fresh outer growth.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' may fail to flower because of too much shade, excessive nitrogen, young age, or winter damage. Move or expose it to more sun, avoid heavy feeding, and keep the soil sharply drained.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' generally needs little fertilizer. Apply a light layer of compost or a restrained balanced perennial fertilizer in spring, avoiding excessive nitrogen that can produce foliage at the expense of flowers.

Deadheading is optional for Aubrieta 'Crimson' but can improve its appearance and prevent unwanted seed formation. Shearing lightly after the main spring bloom is usually more useful for maintaining a compact mat.

The main problems are root or crown rot from wet soil, sparse aging centers, and occasional aphids or flea beetles. Good air circulation, gritty soil, and restrained watering prevent many issues.

Plant Aubrieta 'Crimson' in spring after the soil can be worked or in early fall, allowing roots to establish before extreme weather. In mild-winter areas, fall planting is often especially effective.

Space Aubrieta 'Crimson' about 12–18 inches apart for a continuous groundcover effect, adjusting the spacing according to the size of the nursery plants. Leave extra room in wet climates to improve airflow.

Yes, Aubrieta 'Crimson' grows well in containers, troughs, and alpine planters with drainage holes. Use a gritty potting mix and water only when the upper portion of the mix has begun to dry.

Overwinter potted Aubrieta 'Crimson' outdoors in a protected, well-drained location suited to its local climate. Keep the pot from sitting in water, because wet winter roots are more vulnerable than the foliage is to frost.

Propagate Aubrieta 'Crimson' most reliably from stem cuttings or by dividing established plants. Seed may not reproduce the named cultivar accurately, so seedlings can differ in flower color or habit.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' can be grown from seed, but the resulting plants may not remain true to the named cultivar. For uniform crimson flowers, use cuttings or division from a verified plant.

Divide Aubrieta 'Crimson' in early spring or soon after flowering when temperatures are moderate. Replant divisions immediately in gritty soil and water them enough to establish without keeping the soil saturated.

Lightly prune Aubrieta 'Crimson' immediately after its main spring flowering period. Remove spent flower stems and trim overly long growth without cutting deeply into old, leafless wood.

The toxicity of Aubrieta 'Crimson' is not well documented, so it should not be considered safe to ingest. Keep plant material away from children and pets, and contact a medical or veterinary professional if it is eaten.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' should be treated as an ornamental plant rather than an edible crop. Do not use its leaves, flowers, or seeds for food unless a reliable plant-safety source specifically confirms that use.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' generally blooms in spring, often from early to late spring depending on climate and winter conditions. Flowering may begin earlier in warmer regions and later in colder areas.

The flowers of Aubrieta 'Crimson' are described as crimson or deep red. Exact color intensity can vary with light, temperature, plant age, and the source of the plant.

Aubrieta 'Crimson' usually provides several weeks of spring color when grown in suitable conditions. Cool temperatures, adequate light, and good drainage help extend the display.

Give Aubrieta 'Crimson' a sunny position, sharply drained soil, and restrained nitrogen fertilization. Lightly shear it after flowering to maintain a dense habit and support healthy growth for the next season.