How much sun does Perennial Rockcress need?

Perennial Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Perennial Rockcress bloom?

Perennial Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Perennial Rockcress native?

Perennial Rockcress (Arabis perennans) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Perennial Rockcress attract?

Perennial Rockcress draws bees and beetles.

Is Perennial Rockcress HOA-friendly?

Perennial Rockcress is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Perennial Rockcress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arabis perennans

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Perennial Rockcress (Arabis perennans) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Arabis perennans is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps with small white or pale pink flowers in spring and early summer. This rock cress species stays quite narrow and works well as a groundcover or in rock gardens where it won't spread aggressively.

In an HOA neighborhood

Perennial Rockcress is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Very small size may appear insignificant in larger landscapes
Unknown winter appearance could be problematic

Wildlife value

The spring blooms provide nectar for native bees and beneficial beetles during early season when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Perennial Rockcress need?: Perennial Rockcress grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Perennial Rockcress bloom?: Perennial Rockcress blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Perennial Rockcress native?: Perennial Rockcress (Arabis perennans) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Perennial Rockcress attract?: Perennial Rockcress draws bees and beetles.
Is Perennial Rockcress HOA-friendly?: Perennial Rockcress is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Perennial Rockcress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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