Blue cushions transform barren masonry crowns, dreary stone structures and other deserted sunny locations into a lush sea of flowers. Hardly any work worth mentioning is required of the gardener to elicit the floral power from the dainty ground cover plants. The following answers to frequently asked questions shed light on all relevant aspects.

The blue cushion already blooms in April / May

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant blue cushions correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. What is the best planting time?
  7. When is flowering time?
  8. Cut blue cushions correctly
  9. Pour blue pillows
  10. Fertilize blue cushions properly
  11. Diseases
  12. hibernate
  13. Multiply blue cushion
  14. How do I plant correctly?
  15. Blue pillows in the pot
  16. Is blue cushion poisonous?
  17. Beautiful varieties

    18. Plant blue cushions correctly

    As this year's gardening season draws to a close, it's time to plant blue cushions. In a sunny spot, loosen the soil to add compost, horn shavings, sand and rock dust ($15.99) if needed. Since a single Aubrieta looks so lost, we recommend an arrangement in small tuffs with 3-5 specimens. To do this, dig spacious planting holes at a distance of 30 cm, then pot out the young plants and place them in the enriched substrate. Press the soil down with your hands and finally pour in normal tap water.
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    care tips

    The exuberant abundance of flowers makes us believe that blue cushions are high-maintenance. In fact, the perennial is pleasingly undemanding. The following overview lists all important care factors:

    • Only water blue cushions with normal tap water if they have been dry for a long time
    • A start fertilization with compost, horn shavings and algae lime in March covers the nutrient requirements in the bed
    • Add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water in the pot every 2-3 weeks from March to July
    • A pruning after flowering creates the conditions for a second autumn flowering
    • In January/February cut the perennial close to the ground

    Although Aubrieta are completely hardy, we recommend a light winter protection in the year of planting and every year in pots and window boxes (€16.99).
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    Which location is suitable?

    Blue cushions are sun worshipers straight out of a picture book. The more sun the Mediterranean ground cover can absorb, the more magnificent the carpet of flowers develops. The perennials feel particularly at home in a sheltered location in front of the south wall of the house, because even summer heat does not affect their vitality. In addition, the soil should be well drained, moderately nutritious and calcareous. Along a sun-drenched wall crown, on the roof garden or in the gravel bed, Aubrieta also feel in good hands.
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    The right planting distance

    In the right location and lovingly cared for, blue cushions thrive much more in width than in height. With an average growth height of 10 cm, it quickly grows to a width of 30 cm. When choosing the planting distance, pay attention to this fact in order to achieve a dense cushion of flowers. With a planting distance of 25-30 cm you are on the right track. For a flat arrangement, plant 11 specimens per square meter.

    What soil does the plant need?

    When choosing the location, coordinate the lighting conditions and the soil conditions. The sunnier the location, the fresher the soil should be. In addition, a medium to high lime content is essential for vigorous growth and rich flowering. You can determine the pH value in the soil with the help of an uncomplicated test set. A score between 6.5 and 8 is desirable. If the quality of the soil is not optimal, use soil additives to compensate. Too lean soil is enriched with compost, bark humus and horn shavings. Thin out damp, greasy soil with sand, fine grit and add rock flour or algae lime.

    What is the best planting time?

    Autumn is the ideal planting time for Aubrieta that you have grown yourself or bought ready-made. In September, dig a small hole in the garden soil and put your hand in it to feel the heat stored there. Under these conditions, the Mediterranean blue cushions naturally take root quickly. If you miss the date between the end of August and mid-October, plant the enchanting ground cover from the end of April/beginning of May.
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    When is flowering time?

    Blue cushions spoil us with a colorful flowering period from April to May. If you can't get enough of the abundant carpet of flowers, cut the perennial back at the beginning of June. A large number of magnificent hybrids have the potential for an autumn rebloom, which can be initiated by pruning in good time.
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    Cut blue cushions correctly

    With a cut at the right time, you can complete two central care measures in one operation. If you cut back the withered flower cushions at the end of May/beginning of June, this effort will be rewarded with a magnificent second flowering in autumn. At the same time, you spare the busy flower beauties the exhausting seed growth and prevent self-sowing. To enjoy the evergreen carpets during the cold season, cut the perennial close to the ground in January/February on a frost-free day.
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    Pour blue pillows

    In the long run, drought stress does not get the Mediterranean flower artists. Although blue cushions can withstand short periods of drought, they should be watered from time to time, especially during hot summer days. In the early morning hours or late in the evening, pour normal tap water directly onto the root disk using the jug spout. For Aubrieta in pots and window boxes, this measure is necessary more often than outdoors. This is especially true for an air-flushed location, which allows the potting soil to dry out quickly.

    Fertilize blue cushions properly

    Too rich a supply of nutrients causes blue pillows to age prematurely. Therefore limit the fertilization to a dose of compost with horn shavings in March. If you add a handful of rock flour or algae lime, the perennial will be completely satisfied. In the limited substrate volume of balcony boxes and tubs, supplies are used up more quickly. Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants here every 2-3 weeks from March to July.

    Diseases

    The most common cause of a health problem with blue pillows is the widespread fungal infection powdery mildew. As an unmistakable symptom, the dainty leaves are covered with a mealy-white coating. Milk spraying has proven to be an effective control measure. Mix 1 liter of water with 125 ml of fresh milk. If you spray this mix repeatedly on the top and bottom of the leaves, there is a good chance that the perennial will be saved. It is an advantage if you cut off the already affected shoots beforehand and dispose of them in the household waste.

    hibernate

    Its plentiful bloom belies its robust winter hardiness. In fact, blue cushions can withstand freezing temperatures of up to -17 degrees Celsius. In the year of planting and in the bucket, we still recommend a light winter protection. Cover the young perennials with foliage and needle brushwood. Push a block of wood under the planters and wrap them with bubble wrap. A colorful winter coat made of jute is beautiful to look at, which creates an eye-catching appearance in combination with the winter green foliage.

    Multiply blue cushion

    If you have been fascinated by the abundance of flowers, simply breed new blue cushions. Choose from the following methods:

    • Division of the root ball in spring or autumn
    • Cut cuttings in April or May to root them in the small pot by fall
    • Cultivation by sowing on the windowsill from February at a constant 20-22 degrees Celsius (not possible with all varieties)

    Direct sowing in the bed and balcony box is also possible and uncomplicated to carry out. At the end of April/beginning of May, prepare a finely crumbly substrate, scatter the tender seeds, sieve them thinly with sand or vermiculite. Moistened with a fine spray, germination progresses quickly in a warm, partially shaded location. In the field, a close-meshed net protects the seed from pecking birds and voracious snails.
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    How do I plant correctly?

    If a blue pillow takes care of itself, there is nothing to be said against a change of location. In spring or fall, dig up the root ball. If some parts are already bald, cut them out without further ado. Then plant the perennial in the sunny location in the permeable, sandy-loamy soil and water with tap water.

    Blue pillows in the pot

    In pots and balcony boxes, blue cushions stage a painterly appearance as dense, hanging flower cushions. Use a lean unit soil TKS1 as substrate. Commercially available potting soil is thinned out with sand, expanded clay (19.73€) or lava granules. To prevent waterlogging, place a curved potsherd over each water drain to fill in the earth. Arrange the potted young plants at a distance of 20 cm a little closer to each other than in the bed. Place in a sunny, warm place, water the perennials when they are dry. Add some liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every 2 to 3 weeks. Pruning back after the first bloom will conjure up an autumnal second bloom in most hybrids. To protect against frost and moisture, wrap the pot and flower box with foil or jute ribbons. A base made of wood or styrofoam keeps the ground cold away from the root ball. If the beauty of the blue-green foliage leaves something to be desired in late winter, cut the perennial down to the ground to make room for fresh shoots.

    Is blue cushion poisonous?

    You don't have to worry about a poison content with blue pillows. The Mediterranean perennial is harmless in every respect. The flower is therefore recommended as an ideal spring bloomer for the family garden. If your four-legged housemates nibble on them, there is also no reason to worry, as long as cats, dogs and rabbits do not devour the flowers and leaves in large quantities.
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    Beautiful varieties

    • Red Carpet: Favorite crimson variety that blooms profusely and develops particularly dense cushions; Growth height 8-10 cm
    • Blue tit: Distinctive spring beauty with blue-violet blossoms and winter green leaves; Growth height 5-10 cm
    • Downer's Bont: Cheerfully colorful play of colors with white variegated leaves and purple flowers; Growth height 8-10 cm
    • Havelberg: Spring-fresh opulence thanks to double flowers in soft pink for compact cushions; Growth height 5-8 cm
    • Kitty: Boasts extra-large violet-blue flowers that stand out on the crowns of walls; Growth height 5-10 cm
    • Winterling: Picturesque hybrid with double, bright white flowers for sunny locations; Growth height 5-10 cm

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Vegetable garden