Aubretia is an excellent, 6″ high perennial that is almost smothered with flowers in early spring.
Aubretia is suitable for rockeries, walls, borders, edging paths, planters and window boxes. Spread is 12-18in and flower colours include blue, rich purple and pink shades.

Sowing Instructions

• Sow by just covering the seed, from late winter to early summer, in a good free draining seed compost.
• Add some grit or sharp sand to ordinary compost as Aubretia doesn’t like wet feet.
• Make sure the compost is moist and not wet and seal in a polythene bag.
• Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 65F .

Growing Instructions

• Transplant, when large enough to handle, into boxes or 3in pots.
• Later plant out 12in apart into a sunny, well drained garden soil preferably containing lime.
• Trim with shears after flowering to keep plants tidy. Allow to trail if you like the unkempt look.
• Desirable plants can be increased by cuttings or layering in late spring.

Old Hybrids to Look Out For

• Doctor Muller – deep violet-blue
• Mrs Rodewald – larger red flowers.
• Bridesmaid – pale pink  with a deeper eye.
• Barker’s Double -  a pink mix with semi and double flowers

You can buy seeds or plants from Thompson & Morgan and other seed suppliers

Aubretia deltoidea Variegata has white edged leaves.

Aubretia deltoidea Aurea has gold edged leaves. Aubretia is also in books with the spelling Aubrieta and Aubrietia