Species Reflexed Rockcress
white flowers, lime buds and green leaves on a light-green stem

Reflexed Rockcress

Boechera retrofracta

Reflexed Rockcress (Boechera retrofracta) is a hardy perennial species that thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. Its blooms are bright yellow and appear in earliest spring through May. Its foliage forms a low cushion of basal leaves, which are covered with gray-green hairs. The leaves are clustered tight, giving this plant a pillowed look. It self-seeds happily, and is great in rock gardens and xeriscape landscapes. It can handle freezing temperatures and prefers dry conditions. Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators and its foliage provides food for wildlife. An attractive, easy growing plant, it’s perfect for perennial gardens!

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Reflexed Rockcress (Boechera retrofracta) should be watered approximately 1 to 2 times per week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. When watering, it is important to be sure to evenly wet the soil down to a depth of at least 4 to 6 inches. During hot and sunny days, this plant may need to be watered more frequently. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out before re-watering. Ensure that no part of the plant is standing in water, as this can promote root rot.

sunlight

Reflexed Rockcress (Boechera retrofracta) prefers plenty of sunlight. This species does best when it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally from the early morning to late afternoon. It should be in a bright, sunny spot but out of direct, hot mid-day sun which could damage the foliage. If grown in shade, it will not produce many flowers. The Reflexed Rockcress should also be shaded from strong winds, especially if it is grown in a container, as this can cause the foliage to become dry and dull.

pruning

Reflexed Rockcress (Boechera retrofracta) should be pruned when the blooming period is complete, usually late spring. Pruning can be done during the growing season, but should be done lightly and only when absolutely necessary. Pruning should be limited to removing dead and damaged flowers, stalks and stems to keep the plant healthy. Avoid cutting the entire plant back all at 1 time as this can distress the plant. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools and any cut stems should be discarded. Pruning will encourage new growth and help with blooming for the following year. Too much pruning, however, can damage the plant, so prune lightly and only as needed.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Boechera retrofracta typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Boechera retrofracta typically begins in June and continues through August.