Yellow whitlow-grass
Draba aizoides · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant yellow whitlow-grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, forming dense rosettes
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 10 to 15 cm tall, 15 to 20 cm spread
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C and below)
- Origin
- Mountains of Central and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rocky, poor to moderate
Care
Exposure
Place your draba in full sun for optimal flowering and ideal compactness. Light partial shade is tolerated in very hot climates, but it risks becoming leggy. This alpine plant appreciates open, well-ventilated locations.
Soil and drainage
Drainage is critical: prefer a rocky, gravelly, or sandy substrate with low water retention. Avoid overly rich or moist soils, which risk root rot. Adding gravel or pumice improves soil aeration.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Once established, draba is very drought-tolerant. In winter, drastically reduce watering: the soil must stay dry to prevent rot.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary on rocky or poor soil. Excess nutrients promote loose growth and reduce flowering. A mineral mulch (gravel, pumice) is sufficient.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is required: draba naturally forms compact rosettes. Simply remove dead leaves in late winter and deadhead spent flowers if you wish to encourage continuous flowering.
Diseases and pests
Draba is very rarely affected by disease in dry, well-ventilated conditions. Avoid stagnant moisture which can promote rot and powdery mildew. Aphids may occasionally appear in spring: a water spray is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Draba aizoides is a true living fossil from the Tertiary period, particularly appreciated by alpine gardeners since the 19th century for its extreme hardiness and rarity. Its name 'aizoides' means 'resembling aizoon,' another mountain plant, testifying to the richness of classical botanical classifications.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.