Arabis ferdinandi-coburgi 'Old Gold' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
rock cress 'Old Gold'
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, mat-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen, variegated perennial to 10cm tall with rosettes of narrowly oblong, dark green leaves with bright yellow margins and racemes of white flowers in spring See Aubrieta, Arabis and Aurinia trial 2024-2026 for further information: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/ongoing-plant-trials/aubretia-arabis-aurinia

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Arabis can be annuals or evergreen perennials, usually mat-forming, with simple leaves and racemes of 4-petalled white, pink or purple flowers.
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will tolerate hot, dry conditions and poor, infertile soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings, or by division in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Trim back after flowering to maintain compactness

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, gall midge and flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and white blister