perennialN. America Native

Coast Rock Cress

Arabis blepharophylla

The Story

Plant Bio

Arabis blepharophylla is a compact, mat-forming evergreen perennial native to coastal cliffs and rocky bluffs of central California. It forms basal rosettes of spatulate green foliage topped by short racemes of rose-pink to deep magenta flowers from late winter into spring.

Fringed, ciliated leaf margins and rich purplish-pink blossoms distinguish this species from white-flowered rock cresses. Its low-growing habit makes it adapted to rock crevices, alpine troughs, and gravel borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces vibrant rose-pink early flowers over compact evergreen rosettes suited for rockeries and containers.

Tolerates coastal salt spray and shallow, sandy, or alkaline soils.

Provides early-season nectar to native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

California, USA

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Late spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with light, quick-draining soil.
Amend heavy garden soil with coarse sand or fine gravel to prevent moisture accumulation around the roots.
Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart, setting the root crown level with the soil surface.
Water lightly at planting to establish, then reduce watering once roots take hold.

Pro Tip

Provide sharp gritty drainage; planting in dense soil or leaving roots in winter wet causes rapid crown rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in gritty rock gardens, gravel beds, or well-draining pots.
Trim back spent flower stems after blooming to keep the crown compact.
Allow topsoil to dry out between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not plant in moisture-retentive clay soil or poorly drained sites.
Do not cut back into old, woody stems that lack green leaves.
Do not over-fertilize, as heavy nitrogen causes weak and sprawling foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardenContainer plantingCoastal gardenCrevice wall plantingGravel garden border

Companion Plants

Sedum Saxifraga Armeria maritima Campanula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coast Rock Cress questions

What zones can Coast Rock Cress grow in?

Coast Rock Cress is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coast Rock Cress deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coast Rock Cress, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coast Rock Cress bloom?

Coast Rock Cress typically blooms in late winter through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coast Rock Cress need full sun?

Coast Rock Cress does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coast Rock Cress drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coast Rock Cress handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.