Arabis caucasica
Goat's cress
Common names: Caucasian goat's cress, Rock goat's cress
Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The goat's cress (botanically Arabis caucasica) is a low, evergreen cushion plant from the Caucasus that thrives in rock gardens and on wall crowns. From March to May it develops a dense white flower carpet, providing early-season forage for bees and bumblebees. Its gray‑green, slightly fibrous leaves remain on the shoots even in winter, adding structure when the bed is otherwise quiet. It grows contentedly on lean, well‑drained soils and spreads loosely in a creeping manner without crowding other plants.
Care instructions
Plant goat's cress in a sunny to full‑sun position on well‑drained, rather lean soil; heavy, clayey soil is poorly tolerated. A spacing of 20 to 30 cm is sufficient, as the plant will close into a dense cushion over time. After flowering in June, prune to about half the height to keep the growth compact and encourage a second, weaker flowering in late summer. Water only during persistent dryness and avoid additional fertilisation; excess nutrients make the cushion loose and less winter‑hardy. In a pot or on a wall crown it tolerates frost well and requires no winter protection.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lime-loving, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
particularly well establishedLeguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
carrot family (Apiaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
mint family (Lamiaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae)
Nasturtium serves as a trap plant for you. Aphids and cabbage whiteflies prefer it over the brassicaceae next to it.
For example Tropaeolum majusMashua
Source: Trap plant practice in organic horticulture
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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