Aubrieta needs a growing position suited to its low, spreading habit. Check drainage and the local season before planting it in a pot or wall crevice.
Give aubrieta an open growing position
Aubrieta is commonly used for low spring-flowering mats in sunny, draining positions. Choose a named selection and allow room for spreading growth. A shaded, saturated container is unlikely to reproduce a rock-garden display.
Establish roots without waterlogging
Use appropriate soil or container compost and water new plants while they settle. Check small pots during dry weather. A plant tolerant of leaner garden conditions can still dry rapidly when its entire root system is confined.
Trim after the main display where useful
A suitable light trim after flowering can help maintain a compact mat. Avoid cutting blindly into a bare deteriorated center or removing all useful foliage. Work according to the plant's condition rather than an arbitrary date.
Review sparse or weak sections
Check shade, crowding, drainage and roots before adding rich feed. Excess fertility is not always helpful for a sturdy low-growing display. Renew or propagate appropriate healthy material when needed, allowing time to establish before expecting another full carpet of flowers.
