The Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’, also called Arabis caucasica ‘Schneehaube’, is native to the mountains in the Mediterranean area, northern Africa and the middle of Asia. It is an evergreen perennial from the mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae) and is commonly named rock cress or wall rockcress.
You can keep the rock cress compact by cutting back the foliage after bloom. The Arabis caucasica ‘Snowcap’ forms a cushion and spreads slowly. The rockcress spreads through the stems that develop roots as they touch the ground an also through seed. If the cushion starts showing open spaces, you can dig it up, divide and replant it.
The wall rockcress prefers a sunny spot in soil that is not too moist or too rich.
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
Exposure: sun/ part shade
Flower colour: white
Flowering time: April – May
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: yes
Hardiness: -30 ºC (-22 ºF)
Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Soil: normal/dry