Aubrieta gracilis Rose

Aubrieta 'Florado Rose' is a variety of aubretia that is both vigorous, floriferous and well-branched, with its growth forming a neatly trimmed cushion. In spring, this small perennial is covered in pink flowers of good size for an aubretia, attracting pollinating insects. The rest of the year, its small evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves will continue to enhance the garden. Hardy and not very demanding in terms of water, it will thrive in well-drained soil in full sun. Aubretias are essential when it comes to enhancing a wall, rockery, border, paving or large planter.

The hybrid aubretias in the 'Florado' series belong to the Brassicaceae family, and for the most part are derived from Aubrieta gracilis, a botanical species originating from the mountainous regions of Greece and Albania. They are rhizomatous plants with a compact and carpeting habit, forming cushions that do not exceed 15 cm (6in) in height and spread over a diameter of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). Their semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves, depending on the climate, are a fairly dark green with a slight greyish tinge in winter, and are an oval shape. In summer, the foliage sometimes turns yellow if it is too dry but will green up again with the first rain. The small leaves end in a point and have roughly serrated margins. In spring, between late April and early June, this 'Florado Rose' variety is covered with countless small flowers measuring 1.8 cm (1in) in diameter, with four pink petals and dark hues, with a purple throat and veins. These plants are very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (1°F).

With its spreading and uniform growth, Aubretia Florado Rose is ideally suited for border planting. Undemanding in terms of soil, as long as it is not too dry, it also thrives in rockeries or on flowering walls: it forms beautiful carpets and swathes of colour, like an impressionist painting. It quickly colonises the ground, making it suitable for planting on a sunny slope. Between paving joints, in the crevices of walls, aubretias are fabulous companions for other rockery perennials such as alyssums, Iberis and campanulas. They also work well in balconies and hanging baskets, at the base of other upright plants, with their stems cascading over the container to hide its edges.