Lilacbush

(Aubrieta deltoidea)

Lilacbush (Aubrieta deltoidea)

Stan Shebs

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Stan Shebs

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Stan Shebs | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Stan Shebs | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aubrieta_deltoidea_4.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|Kamrakh ''[[(Averrhoa carambola)]]''. Kolkata, West Bengal, India. }} [[Category:Averrhoa]] |Source=self-made |Date=30/06/07 |Author= [[User:J.M.Garg|J.M.Garg]] }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Aubrieta deltoidea, commonly known as Lilacbush, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to rocky slopes and scrublands in the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe, particularly Greece and Turkey. It typically forms low, spreading mounds up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) wide. The foliage consists of small, green, spoon-shaped to oval-shaped leaves, some of which may be lobed. During the flowering season in spring, Lilacbush produces a profusion of showy flowers with four lavender to deep pink petals, creating a vibrant display. The fruit is an inflated, hairy silique up to two centimeters long, although it is not a notable feature.

Lilacbush is valued for its ability to create dense mats of foliage and flowers, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or filling crevices in walls. Its bright and abundant spring blooms are particularly attractive to gardeners. Cultivated varieties, sometimes listed under the hybrid name A. × cultorum, offer additional color options such as lavender, rose, and lilac. These varieties are often available as a seed mixture, allowing for a diverse color display. Aubrieta deltoidea thrives in zones 4a to 9b and prefers full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to medium amounts of water, and grows best in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained conditions and may be affected by flea beetles and aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky slopes and scrublands in the Mediterranean regions, particularly Greece and Turkey

Other Names

Common Names: Purple Rock Cress, Rainbow Rock Cress, Garden Aubrieta, Aubretia, Griechisches Blaukissen, Aubriète, Aubriétia À Delta, Aubriétie, Aubriétie Deltoïde, Aubrietia, Småblommig Aubrietia

Scientific Names: , Aubrieta deltoidea, Aubretia deltoidea, Aubrieta canescens, Aubrieta intermedia, Aubrieta canescens subsp. macrostyla, Aubrieta canescens subsp. cilicica, Alyssum deltoideum, Aubrieta canescens subsp. canescens, Aubrieta deltoidea var. deltoidea

GBIF Accepted Name: Aubrieta deltoidea (L.) DC.