Rock cress—or rockcress—is the common name for plants in several different genera that fall into the flowering mustard family (*Brassicaceae*). These semi-evergreen, typically [perennial](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different) plants thrive in rocky areas with full sun and good drainage, such as cliffsides in the Mediterranean and elsewhere throughout Europe, in parts of the Middle East and Asia, and across the United States. 

Rock cress are flowering plants, and most rock cress flowers are white or a shade of purple, arriving in early spring to early summer. Since the common name might refer to any one of several dozen species, the variety in bloom size and color can be wide-ranging. Most share a thick foliage of vibrant green leaves. People consider some rock cress plants to be ornamental, others to be [weeds](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/type-of-weeds-and-how-they-affect-your-garden).
There are several groups of plants that experts, gardeners, and the general public refer to as rock cress, totaling dozens and dozens of species. The following genera (or genuses) contain rock cress plants:

1. __*Arabidopsis*__: Rock cress plants in this genus are primarily native to Europe. Species include Arctic rock cress, lyre-leaved rock cress, and sand rock cress. In the 1980s, a Russian crew grew *Arabidopsis* plants while in outer space.
2. __*Arabis*__: The small white flowers of these plants can take root and flourish in rough terrain—even in small crevices in stone walls. Some rock cress plants in this genus include alpine rock cress, Armenian rock cress, and hairy rock cress. The Eastern European plant *Arabis caucasica* produces smooth white flowers that bees must pollinate so it can reproduce.
3. __*Aubrieta*__: Mostly native to Europe and Asia, species in this genus are very hardy, able to grow in a variety of soil types and in full to partial sun. Perhaps the most well-known is *Aubrieta deltoidea*, also known as purple rock cress, false rock cress, or lilac bush. Other plants in this group include Lebanese rock cress and several cultivars. 
4. __*Boechera*__: Rock cress plants in this genus grow mainly in North America and might have white or purple flowers. Distinct species in this group include smooth rock cress, sicklepod rock cress, and Missouri rock cress.
Rock cress plants can be an exceptional perennial ground cover for any slope, rock wall, or container garden because they need limited maintenance and are self-sufficient in the proper environment. Although they are prone to aphids or flea [beetles](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/garden-beetles-control-guide), rock cress plants are deer-resistant.

Plant rock cress seeds in alkaline soils in USDA [Hardiness Zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones) 4–7. These plants are highly drought-resistant, but you should grow them in areas where they will receive direct sunlight and limited partial shade.
Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.
If you are searching for a hardy and low-maintenance plant that will bring rich color to your <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock garden","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock garden</a> or pathways, rock cress can be a good choice. Learn how to grow and maintain these mat-forming garden plants to add beauty to any DIY flower garden.

If you are searching for a hardy and low-maintenance plant that will bring rich color to your <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock garden","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock garden</a> or pathways, rock cress can be a good choice. Learn how to grow and maintain these mat-forming garden plants to add beauty to any DIY flower garden.

Rock Cress Plants: 4 Types of Flowering Rock Cress Plants

Rock cress—or rockcress—is the common name for plants in several different genera that fall into the flowering mustard family (Brassicaceae). These semi-evergreen, typically <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different","linkCopy":"perennial","category":null}'>perennial</a> plants thrive in rocky areas with full sun and good drainage, such as cliffsides in the Mediterranean and elsewhere throughout Europe, in parts of the Middle East and Asia, and across the United States. Rock cress are flowering plants, and most rock cress flowers are white or a shade of purple, arriving in early spring to early summer. Since the common name might refer to any one of several dozen species, the variety in bloom size and color can be wide-ranging. Most share a thick foliage of vibrant green leaves. People consider some rock cress plants to be ornamental, others to be <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/type-of-weeds-and-how-they-affect-your-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/type-of-weeds-and-how-they-affect-your-garden","linkCopy":"weeds","category":null}'>weeds</a>.

What Is Rock Cress?

There are several groups of plants that experts, gardeners, and the general public refer to as rock cress, totaling dozens and dozens of species. The following genera (or genuses) contain rock cress plants:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Arabidopsis: Rock cress plants in this genus are primarily native to Europe. Species include Arctic rock cress, lyre-leaved rock cress, and sand rock cress. In the 1980s, a Russian crew grew Arabidopsis plants while in outer space. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Arabis: The small white flowers of these plants can take root and flourish in rough terrain—even in small crevices in stone walls. Some rock cress plants in this genus include alpine rock cress, Armenian rock cress, and hairy rock cress. The Eastern European plant Arabis caucasica produces smooth white flowers that bees must pollinate so it can reproduce. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Aubrieta: Mostly native to Europe and Asia, species in this genus are very hardy, able to grow in a variety of soil types and in full to partial sun. Perhaps the most well-known is Aubrieta deltoidea, also known as purple rock cress, false rock cress, or lilac bush. Other plants in this group include Lebanese rock cress and several cultivars. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Boechera: Rock cress plants in this genus grow mainly in North America and might have white or purple flowers. Distinct species in this group include smooth rock cress, sicklepod rock cress, and Missouri rock cress. </li></ol>

4 Types of Rock Cress

Rock cress plants can be an exceptional perennial ground cover for any slope, rock wall, or container garden because they need limited maintenance and are self-sufficient in the proper environment. Although they are prone to aphids or flea <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/garden-beetles-control-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/garden-beetles-control-guide","linkCopy":"beetles","category":null}'>beetles</a>, rock cress plants are deer-resistant.Plant rock cress seeds in alkaline soils in USDA <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones","linkCopy":"Hardiness Zones","category":null}'>Hardiness Zones</a> 4–7. These plants are highly drought-resistant, but you should grow them in areas where they will receive direct sunlight and limited partial shade.

How to Care for Rock Cress

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described &quot;Gangster Gardener.&quot; Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

Learn More

If you are searching for a hardy and low-maintenance plant that will bring rich color to your <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock garden","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock garden</a> or pathways, rock cress can be a good choice. Learn how to grow and maintain these mat-forming garden plants to add beauty to any DIY flower garden.

If you are searching for a hardy and low-maintenance plant that will bring rich color to your <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock garden","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock garden</a> or pathways, rock cress can be a good choice. Learn how to grow and maintain these mat-forming garden plants to add beauty to any DIY flower garden.