Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica Pinkie

Arabis caucasica 'Pinkie', also known as Caucasian rockcress 'Pinkie', or basket of silver, forms a very effective spreading ground cover to combat weeds. It is particularly decorative, with its tiny evergreen dark green leaves and its fragrant spring flowering of magenta pink. Easy to grow in well-drained soil. Indispensable for covering walls and slopes.

Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica is a type of plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is found in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The cultivar 'Pinkie' is known for its attractive flower colour. This plant spreads through rhizomes and grows slowly, forming a dense ground cover that can grow up to 15 cm (6in) in height and 45 cm (18in) in width. It blooms from April to June, depending on the climate, and has pink, fragrant flowers that have four petals and are clustered together. The plant's leaves are oval, serrated and form loose rosettes.

Rockcress prefer to grow in well-drained soil that is acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline, even if it is rocky or gravelly. They should be watered regularly for the best growth, and trimming the bush with shears after flowering will encourage branching and denser growth.

As rock garden plants, rockcress make excellent ground covers along borders, in flowery pavements, walls, and on slopes. Arabis caucasica is an excellent choice as a ground cover, capable of covering large areas in a few years and preventing weed growth. However, it's not suitable for delicate plants in well-maintained rock gardens. It's perfect for covering the base of shrubs or hedges where only ivy grows. The plant blooms every spring, at the same time as tulips, that can drape over walls.