Kernera saxatilis
Kernera saxatilis · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant kernera saxatilis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Rock cress, Saxatile Kernera
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Mature size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Flowering
- April to June, white flowers in clusters
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small and serrated
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 °C and below)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe, rocky regions
Care
Exposure
Plant your Kernera saxatilis in full sun or partial shade. This small perennial enjoys well-lit locations for abundant flowering. It tolerates somewhat shaded spots but will flower less generously.
Soil type
Prefer well-drained, light and rocky soil, ideally poor. This alpine plant handles rocky, dry and infertile soils very well. Avoid overly wet and compact soils that would promote rotting.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period, then very little once established. Kernera saxatilis is a drought-resistant plant; excess water is far more harmful than a dry spell. In humid climates, natural rainfall is often sufficient.
Fertilizer
No nutritional input is generally necessary. This alpine perennial prefers poor soils. Excessive fertilizer would promote foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Cut back lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy form. Pruning in late winter helps stimulate new growth. Remove dead or diseased parts as you go.
Pests and diseases
Kernera saxatilis is generally very healthy. In case of overly wet soil, root rot may occur. Watch for slugs in humid spring, but damage remains rare on this hardy plant.
Did you know?
Though modest, Kernera saxatilis has been a classic alpine perennial in European rock gardens since the nineteenth century. Its botanical name 'saxatilis' literally means 'that which lives on rocks', perfectly describing its natural habitat on cliffs and limestone scree slopes in the mountains. This small perennial symbolizes the quiet beauty and resilience of mountain plants.
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.