Aubretia (Aubrieta deltoidea, Syst. Nat. 2: 294 (1821))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 294 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aubrieta

Vegetable: False

Observations: Sicilia, C. Greece to W. Kriti and W. Türkiye

Description

Aubretia, scientifically known as Aubrieta deltoidea, is a charming and resilient perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This delightful flowering plant was first described in the taxonomic literature in 1821 within the “Systema Naturae 2: 294,” by the renowned botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, noted as (L.) DC.

Originating from the rugged and picturesque regions of Sicilia, Central Greece to Western Kriti, and Western Türkiye, Aubretia has adapted well to various environments, making it a popular choice for gardens around the world. Its natural habitats are typically rocky areas and cliffs, where it finds purchase in crevices and ledges, thriving in conditions that might challenge less hardy plants.

Aubrieta deltoidea is particularly prized for its decorative appeal. It forms a dense, evergreen mat of foliage that serves as an excellent ground cover, particularly in rock gardens, on walls, and cascading over the edges of containers. The plant’s leaves are small, oval to triangular (hence the specific epithet “deltoidea”), and have a slightly fuzzy texture, adding to its visual interest even when not in bloom.

In the spring, Aubretia becomes a true showstopper as it bursts into a profusion of vibrant, violet to blue flowers. Each bloom is small and delicate, yet collectively they create a stunning carpet of color that can remain vivid for several weeks. The flowers, sporting four petals, are cross-shaped, a common characteristic of the brassica family.

While Aubretia is relatively low-maintenance, it thrives best in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It prefers a sunny position but can tolerate partial shade, making it flexible enough to brighten up various spots in a garden. Its drought tolerance, coupled with an ability to withstand cold temperatures, further solidifies its reputation as a hardy and versatile plant.

Gardeners appreciate Aubrieta deltoidea not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its ecological benefits. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the health and biodiversity of the garden ecosystem. Moreover, its thick foliage helps to suppress weeds, reducing the need for chemical controls and manual weeding.

In summary, Aubretia is a visually appealing, hardy perennial that brings a splash of color and texture to gardens with minimal effort required. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and regions ensures that it continues to be a beloved plant among gardening enthusiasts. Whether cascading over rocks, softening the edges of stone pathways, or serving as a vibrant ground cover, Aubrieta deltoidea remains a perennial favorite in both traditional and modern garden designs.

Common Names

Eng: aubretia, lilacbush, garden aubrieta
Fra: aubriète, aubriétia, aubriétie deltoïde, aubriétia à delta, aubriétie
Deu: delta-blaukissen, griechisches blaukissen
Hun: balkáni pázsitviola
Swe: småblommig aubrietia
Ces: tari
Nld: aubrietia
Cym: cynfas biws, obrisia
En: Aubretia, Lilacbush, Garden aubrieta, Aubrietia, Purple Rock-cress
Ca: Aubrieta
Cs: Tařička kosníkovitá, Tari
Nl: Aubrietia, Aubrieta
Et: Harilik aubrieeta
Fi: Pikkuristikki
Fr: Aubriète, Aubriétia, Aubriétie deltoïde, Aubriétia à delta, Aubriétie, Aubriète deltoïde
De: Griechisches Blaukissen, Griechiches Blaukissen, Delta-Blaukissen, Aubrietie
Hu: Balkáni pázsitviola
It: Aubrezia siciliana
Lt: Paprastoji aubretė
Ml: ഓബ്രിയേറ്റ ഡെൽറ്റോയിഡിയ
Pl: Żagwin zwyczajny
Sk: Tarička rovnobežníkovitá
Es: Aubrieta
Sv: Småblommig aubrietia
Cy: Cynfas biws, Obrisia

Synonyms

• Aubrieta deltoidea subsp. sporadum (Phitos)
• Aubrieta integrifolia (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. sporadum ((Phitos) Phitos)
• Aubrieta hendersonii (E.G.Hend.)
• Crucifera aubrieta (E.H.L.Krause)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. cithaeronea (Mattf.)
• Vesicaria deltoidea ((L.) Poir.)
• Farsetia deltoidea ((L.) W.T.Aiton)
• Aubrieta graeca (Griseb.)
• Aubrieta intermedia (Heldr. & Orph. ex Boiss.)
• Farsetia italica (Ces., Pass. & Gibelli)
• Draba hesperidiflora (Lam.)
• Aubrieta floribunda (Spach)
• Alyssum deltoideum (L.)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. variegata (E.C.Hend.)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. graeca ((Griseb.) Regel)
• Aubrieta deltoidea subsp. sicula ((Strobl) Phitos)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. sicula (Strobl)
• Aubrieta deltoidea var. microphylla (Boiss.)
• Aubrieta hesperidiflora ((Lam.) G.Don)

Distribution

• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 29, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by servet alan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2018 by Clément Boyet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Max Neil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 9, 2021 by ADAM Bleuenn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2020 by Weisl Christoph (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 9, 2021 by ADAM Bleuenn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2020 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by idyliik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara Duron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Ad van der Sijde (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − laëtitia goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by idyliik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 2, 2021 by Jean Burger (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Ivett Drgi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Šnobl Petr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Sergio Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by osanne lg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by laurence (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2016 by Anigel Trillium (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Mariella Biasotto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2018 by delassue daniel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3054117)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1055027-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aubrieta deltoidea (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 7