The edible goose cress looks absolutely gorgeous in rock gardens. But it also embellishes roadsides, graves, meadows and buckets. But does it last for several years or does it have to be constantly replanted because it does not tolerate frost?
Most species of goose cress, such as Arabis alpina here, are hardy
Most species are hardy
Almost all types of goose cress tolerate frost to a greater or lesser extent. In this country, the majority of goose cress is hardy. The plants present an evergreen foliage and are herbaceous in habit. Its winter hardiness is -25 °C in unprotected locations and -30 °C in protected locations.
The following perennial species are some of the best known, hardy in our latitudes and basically never need winter protection:
- Arabis caerulea
- Arabis vochinensis
- Arabis suendermannii
- Arabis alpina
- Arabis caucasica
Prune before winter sets in
Before winter sets in, it is advisable to cut down the goose cress. Take a pair of standard scissors or secateurs and use them to cut the stems down to about 10 cm above the ground. With very low-growing species, it is sufficient to remove the old inflorescences.
If you do not want the goose cress to multiply by itself using its seeds, this pruning should ideally be done immediately after the flowering period. This also has the advantage that the forces of the plant are spared.
Sometimes winter protection may be in order
But there are also more sensitive species such as Arabis blepharophylla, Arabis procurrens, Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii and the Carniolan goose cress. If the thermometer reading falls below -10 °C, these plants should be protected. Leaves and brushwood are suitable for this.
Even if you live in cool, harsh locations such as coastal regions and high altitudes, you should protect your goose cress in temperatures significantly below zero. But beware: As soon as the temperatures rise again, the protection will be removed! Otherwise it can quickly rot.
tips
In winter, the goose cress does not need any care, even if it often has evergreen foliage. It should neither be fertilized nor watered (exception: water the goose cress in the tub sparingly when it is dry).