The Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’, also called Arabis caucasica ‘Schneehaube’, originates from the mountains of the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Central Asia. It is an evergreen perennial from the cabbage family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae) and is commonly named rock cress or wall rockcress.
You can keep the rockcress compact by cutting back the foliage after bloom. The Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’ forms a cushion and spreads slowly. The rockcress propagates through the stems that develop roots as they touch the ground and also through seed. If the cushion starts showing open spaces, you can dig it up, divide and replant it.
The rockcress prefers a sunny, well-drained spot in moderaltely furtile soil. In the warmer regions it is best to provide some afternoon shade in summer.
The Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’ is perfect as groundcover, for rock gardens and in pockets between stones. The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: evergreen
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: white
Flowering time: April – May
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: yes
Hardiness: -22 ºF/-30 ºC
Height: 6 inches/15 cm
Soil: normal/dry