Common Whitlow-grass Plant Care

Common Whitlow-grass (Draba nemorosa) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Draba genus. Common Whitlow-grass is also known as Yellow Whitlow-grass.

Common Whitlow-grass displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Common Whitlow-grass produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Common Whitlow-grass 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.

Common Whitlow-grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Draba nemorosa tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Common Whitlow-grass prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Common Whitlow-grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Common Whitlow-grass 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Common Whitlow-grass 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.

Common Whitlow-grass can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.

Prune Common Whitlow-grass 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.

Common Whitlow-grass 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.

Common Whitlow-grass can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to magellan draba plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Common Whitlow-grass is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms. 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.

Common Whitlow-grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Common Whitlow-grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.