Brassicaceae
Garden Arabis (Arabis caucasica) Complete Care Guide
Arabis caucasica
Very low maintenance: plant in full sun, water sparingly every 10-14 days, ensure excellent drainage. Cut back hard after flowering to maintain compact growth. Thrives in poor, rocky or sandy soils.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-35° - 28°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Garden Arabis?
Garden Arabis (Arabis caucasica) is a easy-care plant from the Brassicaceae family. Arabis caucasica (Garden Arabis) is an evergreen mat-forming perennial native to southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Iran. Its silver-grey, softly hairy leaves form low spreading mats, smothered each spring in fragrant white or pale pink flowers. Ideal for rock gardens, dry stone walls, slopes, a...
Garden Arabis grows up to 25cm, with spread of 50cm, watering every 14 days, -35°C – 28°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Garden Arabis tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Garden Arabis is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Garden Arabis?
TLDR: Garden Arabis needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -35-28°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Garden Arabis?
Water every 10-14 days during active growth; reduce in winter. Drought tolerant — always let soil dry between waterings. Never allow waterlogging.
How Much Light Does Garden Arabis Need?
Requires full sun (6+ hours of direct sun daily) for best flowering. Tolerates light shade but will produce fewer blooms.
What Is the Best Soil for Garden Arabis?
Thrives in well-drained, gritty or sandy soils with pH 6.0-8.0. Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soils. Avoid heavy clay or wet soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Garden Arabis?
Terracotta pot with generous drainage holes. Avoid sealed plastic pots.
What Is Garden Arabis and Where Does It Come From?
Arabis caucasica (Garden Arabis) is an evergreen mat-forming perennial native to southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Iran. Its silver-grey, softly hairy leaves form low spreading mats, smothered each spring in fragrant white or pale pink flowers. Ideal for rock gardens, dry stone walls, slopes, and border edges.
How to Propagate Garden Arabis?
Division
Divide in early spring before flowering or in early autumn. Use sharp, clean tools.
- 1 Carefully dig up the clump
- 2 Divide into sections ensuring each has active roots
- 3 Replant in well-drained soil
- 4 Water moderately until established
Materials needed:
Seed propagation
Seeds need light to germinate — do not bury deeply. Surface sow.
- 1 Sow on the surface of gritty compost
- 2 Cover lightly with fine grit
- 3 Keep moist until germination
- 4 Transplant seedlings once 5-7 cm tall
Materials needed:
How Big Does Garden Arabis Grow?
TLDR: Garden Arabis can reach up to 25cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
25cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves occasionally eaten as salad greens in Caucasus region
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Garden Arabis?
TLDR: Garden Arabis is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
Albuginaceae
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and renewal — blooming joyfully after the harshest winters.
Fun Facts
Survives temperatures as low as -35°C, making it one of the most cold-hardy garden perennials.
Its fragrant white flowers are an early and important nectar source for bees in spring.
Native to rocky mountain habitats of the Caucasus, it thrives naturally in poor, alkaline soils.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Garden Arabis?
Is Arabis caucasica toxic to pets?
When should I prune Garden Arabis?
How cold-hardy is Garden Arabis?
Can I grow it in a pot?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
