Species Elegant Rockcress
white flowers, lime-green buds, lime-green leaves and stems

Elegant Rockcress

Boechera sparsiflora

Elegant Rockcress (Boechera Sparsiflora) is a perennial herbaceous plant found in crevices and rocky hills of Northwestern North America. It is distinguished by its slender petioles, white flowers, and pink bracts. It grows in clusters up to 4-10 inches in height, spreading slowly and steadily across bare rocks. Elegant Rockcress blooms from early spring to summer and is a favorite among bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Furthermore, the plant’s low-lying, tough stems offer an ideal shelter for small lizards and amphibians. With its ability to tolerate drought and extreme temperatures, this plant is a great choice for the modern, low-maintenance garden.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Quebec Rockcress should be watered weekly, providing about 1 inch of water each time. Depending on the season, frequency may vary. During spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered every 5-10 days. In fall and winter, when the plant is semi-dormant, it should be watered every 2-4 weeks. It will need more water in warmer months and less in cooler months; during periods of dry weather, water more often. Check the soil's moisture before watering, as the plant isn't tolerant of wet feet. When watering, avoid overhead irrigation, if possible, to minimize fungal diseases.

sunlight

In general, Quebec Rockcress (Boechera quebecensis) prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate a small amount of direct sunlight in the early morning hours. To promote optimal growth, plants should receive 4 to 6 hours of morning sunlight, followed by indirect light or shade in the afternoon. Plants can also benefit from protection from intense afternoon sunlight. This species does not tolerate complete shade, so it should not be planted in a totally shaded area.

pruning

For Quebec Rockcress, pruning should be done annually with light pruning during the spring season. For best results, prune in late March or early April before growth begins. When pruning, cut back any dead or deadheading stems and thin out congested areas. Deadhead blooms to encourage new flower buds or seed formation. Pruning back should be done selectively, removing no more than 1-third of the plant at a time. Although this plant has a dense form, it is important to maintain an open form allowing air circulation, sunlight. This will help to keep disease problems to a minimum.

Season

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

Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.