Hairy Rockcress Plant Care

Hairy Rockcress (Arabis hirsuta) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Arabis genus. Hairy Rockcress is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of North America. Hairy Rockcress is also known as Common Rockcress, Hairy Wall Cress.

Hairy Rockcress displays a low-growing spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Hairy Rockcress produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Arabis hirsuta requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Hairy Rockcress thrives in full sun to part shade.

Arabis hirsuta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Rockcress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Rockcress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hairy Rockcress every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

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

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Hairy Rockcress can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine rockcress plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hairy Rockcress is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, 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.

Hairy Rockcress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hairy Rockcress is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of North America. In cooler regions, grow Hairy Rockcress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.