Cobre Rock Cress Plant Care
Boechera cobrensis (M.E.Jones) Dorn
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Boechera cobrensis is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common names Masonic rockcress and sagebrush rockcress. It is native to the western United States from eastern California to Wyoming, where it is found in sandy habitat, especially sagebrush.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cobre Rock Cress?
Plant Cobre Rock Cress in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cobre Rock Cress Native To?
What Is the Cobre Rock Cress?
Cobre Rock Cress (Boechera cobrensis) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Boechera genus. Cobre Rock Cress is native to the western United States from eastern California to Wyoming.
Cobre Rock Cress displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Cobre Rock Cress produces small white or purple flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cobre Rock Cress?
Water a young or newly planted Cobre Rock Cress every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Cobre Rock Cress Need?
Cobre Rock Cress thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cobre Rock Cress Prefer?
Boechera cobrensis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Cobre Rock Cress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cobre Rock Cress?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cobre Rock Cress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cobre Rock Cress?
Feed Cobre Rock Cress every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Cobre Rock Cress?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Cobre Rock Cress is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cobre Rock Cress?
Cobre Rock Cress can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Cobre Rock Cress?
Prune Cobre Rock Cress while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Cobre Rock Cress in Winter?
Cobre Rock Cress is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Cobre Rock Cress?
Cobre Rock Cress can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to boechera breweri plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cobre Rock Cress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cobre Rock Cress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cobre Rock Cress?
Cobre Rock Cress is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cobre Rock Cress Need?
Cobre Rock Cress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cobre Rock Cress is native to the western United States from eastern California to Wyoming. In cooler regions, grow Cobre Rock Cress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Cobre Rock Cress is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Boechera genus — compare its care with other Boechera species on PlantoScan.
Boechera is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Cobre Rock Cress thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Boechera Species
Other Boechera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Boechera cobrensis (M.E.Jones) Dorn, family Brassicaceae (first published in Vasc. Pl. Wyoming , ed. 3: 375 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cobre Rock Cress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
