Soldier Rockcress

Soldier Rockcress should be watered late in the day to allow the soil to dry before nightfall. The plant should be watered approximately 2-3 times a week, but only when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Depending on the heat, wind, and humidity in your area, you may need to water more frequently in the summer. Water the plant deeply so that the water reaches the roots and avoid overhead watering.

Soldier Rockcress (Boechera drepanoloba) is a rugged, drought-tolerant plant species found in mountainous regions of western North America and western Canada. This plant needs plenty of sun to thrive, with requirements of at least 6 full hours of sunlight every day. It performs best when given full sun all day long, but it can also do well with a few hours of morning sun and dappled afternoon shade, or the reverse. Since the plant is found in mountains, it is important to take the altitude into account when gauging the necessary sunlight it needs. Higher altitudes often equate to less sunlight; and conversely, lower altitudes tend to receive more direct sunlight. Therefore, Soldier Rockcress in higher altitudes should have more hours of shade, while plants at lower altitudes should receive more hours of direct sun.

Soldier Rockcress should be pruned in early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should include all of the dead flower stalks and stems from the previous year, as well as any overly-vigorous growth. Since Soldier Rockcress is a slow grower, it does not require a lot of pruning each year; just a light pruning should suffice. Make sure to never prune more than 1-third of the existing foliage, as this will reduce flowering and flowering production.