Arabis drabiformis Care
Arabis drabiformis
WARNING: This plant is an alpine plant endemic to Anatolia's high mountains. Growing it in Izmir's hot, humid climate is almost impossible and it can only be attempted in special alpine greenhouses or well-drained rock gardens.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Never. It must be protected from winter rainfall. The soil should remain nearly dry.
- General care: Keep the plant in a bright but cool place protected from rain. Excellent drainage is vital.
- Pests & diseases: Root collar rot (crown rot) is the biggest risk.
- Frost risk: None; it is cold tolerant.
- Watering: Never, it must be protected from winter rainfall.
- General care: Be absolutely sure the pot/growing place does not stay sitting in water.
- Pests & diseases: Watch out for the risk of root rot.
- Frost risk: None; it is cold tolerant.
- Watering: As growth begins, moisten the soil very lightly and allow it to dry completely between waterings.
- Fertilizing: A very dilute, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer can be given once; do not overapply, and seek advice.
- Plant protection: Watch out for aphids.
- General care: Take care that the leaf cushion does not stay wet.
- Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot.
- Watering: As the soil dries out completely, water carefully.
- Pruning: Cut spent flowers together with their stalks.
- Plant protection: Watch out for aphids.
- General care: It is the flowering period.
- Pests & diseases: Watch out for root collar rot.
- Watering: As the soil dries out completely, water carefully.
- Pruning: After flowering, cut all the flower stalks.
- General care: Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm, and keep the root collar above the surrounding soil level.
- Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: Be sure to move the plant to a cool, airy, shaded spot. Protect it from direct sun.
- Pests & diseases: The risk of death is very high due to heat stress and root rot.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- General care: Continue keeping it in a cool, shady place.
- Pests & diseases: The risk of death is very high due to heat stress and root rot.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
- General care: Continue keeping it in a cool, shady place.
- Pests & diseases: The risk of death is very high due to heat stress and root rot.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: Move the plant from its shaded, cool summer spot to a place that gets winter sun but is protected from rain.
- Pests & diseases: Make sure the soil does not stay wet against root rot.
- Watering: Not required; protect from autumn precipitation.
- General care: This is a period that requires expertise for propagation from cuttings or seed.
- Pests & diseases: Make sure the soil is free-draining against the risk of root rot.
- Watering: Not needed; continue protecting it from rain.
- General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
- Pests & diseases: Support the root collar with gravel against winter wetness.
- Watering: Not needed; continue protecting it from rain.
- General care: Keep it cool, bright and dry throughout winter.
- Pests & diseases: Make sure drainage is not blocked.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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