Many-Flowered Rockcress

The Many-Flowered Rockcress (Boechera polyantha) needs to be watered regularly. It prefers soil that drains well, as this plant typically does not do well in wet or soggy soil. The soil should be kept moist, however, not wet or soggy. Water the plant whenever the surface of the soil appears dry. A good way to check for moisture is to use your finger and probe it into the soil about an inch deep. It is important to water deeply. Water until the soil appears saturated and wait for the excess water to drain away. It is not necessary to water the plant again until the soil has slightly dried out. During the growing season, about 1 inch of water per week is recommended. In the winter, the plant will need much less water. During the winter, water only when the soil has dried out completely.

Many-Flowered Rockcress (Boechera polyantha) prefers full sun, preferably 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, especially during the peak of the growing season (from late spring until early fall). However, if grown in partial shade, it will still flower well. Its ideal location should be in an area that has good morning sun, with protection from the hot afternoon sun. Therefore, it is best planted where it will receive sun in the morning but be shaded from strong afternoon sun.

Many-Flowered Rockcress may be pruned in the late spring or early summer prior to flowering in order to promote greater, bushier growth, enhance flowering, and maintain a more pleasing shape. Prune the stems back by 1 half to 2-thirds of their total length. Remove any dead or injured stems at this time. Do not prune into the woody crown of the plant, as the wood is less able to re-sprout. Pruning can be done in late winter in extreme cases. Deadheading may also be required for optimal flower display; remove the spent flower heads at the end of their bloom cycle.