Aubrieta Care
Aubrieta olympica
It likes cool climates, full sun and very well-drained, chalky soil. It struggles in summer in hot regions like Izmir, so it should be grown in spots that get afternoon shade and have good air circulation (for example between stones in a stone wall).
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.
- General care: In winter, make sure water does not collect at the base of the plant and that drainage is working excellently.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot is the biggest risk in winter.
- General care: Remove weeds around the plant.
- Pests & diseases: General check.
- Watering: If the soil is dry, water lightly (2-3 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: Mix some compost or a very small amount of slow-release balanced fertilizer into the soil (do not overapply).
- General care: Flowering begins.
- Pests & diseases: Aphids may be seen on new shoots.
- Watering: As the soil dries, 5-7 L/m² per week.
- Pruning: Not needed; enjoy the flowers.
- General care: The plant becomes a complete cascade of flowers.
- Watering: Once a week, 7-10 L/m².
- Pruning: As soon as flowering ends, prune the plant hard, by half or two thirds; this is critical for keeping the plant fresh and compact.
- 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: Pruning makes the plant more resistant to diseases.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites.
- General care: Afternoon shade is vital.
- Pests & diseases: The plant may show signs of heat stress (drying at the centre, yellowing).
- 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.
- Fertilizing: Never apply fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- Plant protection: Spider mites and root rot are the biggest risks.
- General care: Regular watering and afternoon shade are essential for keeping the plant healthy.
- Pests & diseases: It is possible to lose part of the plant during the summer months.
- 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: Reduce the risk of fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation.
- Pests & diseases: Observe the plant that is weakening in the summer heat.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: You can clear the worn and dried-out parts from summer.
- General care: (September 20) This is the ideal time to plant new saplings or propagate from cuttings. The plant recovers from summer stress, prepares for winter, and develops roots.
- Pests & diseases: Check drainage before the autumn rains.
- Watering: Stop watering as the rains begin.
- General care: The plant prepares for winter.
- Pests & diseases: Clear fallen leaves to reduce disease risk.
- 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: General check.
- General care: Make sure drainage works well during winter rains.
- Pests & diseases: Beware of the risk of root rot.
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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