Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica Variegata

The Arabis alpina ssp. Caucasica variegata or Caucasian Rock Cress is a creeping perennial with a rounded cushion-like habit. Its evergreen foliage has harmonious shades: its small leaves are grey-green with a white-cream margin tinged with yellow. It bears numerous small white and fragrant flowers that bloom from March to May if the climate is suitable.

An ideal rock garden plant, the Caucasian Rock Cress prefers dry soils but can tolerate moist soils as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in a very sunny position that allows abundant flowering, although it will produce larger and fuller foliage if placed in partial shade. Hardy down to -15°C (5°F) and requiring minimal maintenance, apart from a light pruning at the end of flowering to maintain a uniform cushion shape, it is a very easy perennial. It can also be used as a ground cover at the edge of a border, in a flowering pavement, as a crown for a low wall, or on a slope.

Arabis plants have long creeping stems that readily branch out and root, spreading in all directions. They are covered with small obovate and toothed leaves, measuring 3 cm (1in) long, forming a thick mat. At the tips of the stems, numerous clusters bear pretty small flowers about 1 cm (1in) in diameter. These flowers have four petals arranged in a cross shape with a slight light yellow centre. Their simplicity adds to their charm.

The compact size of Variegata (15 cm (6in) tall by 20 cm (8in) wide) makes it perfect for planting among bulbs, such as Muscari and Narcissus. It will add charm to spring scenes in borders, providing volume and light. In pots or containers, it will accompany Daisies, Forget-me-nots, and Tulips, adding fragrance to the end of winter.

Lastly, thanks to its evergreen foliage with soft tones, it fills in bare gaps throughout the year: pathways, rock gardens, and the base of walls alongside Alyssum and Aubrieta.