Edible goose cress looks stunning in rock gardens. But it also beautifies pathsides, graves, meadows and pots. But does it last for several years or does it have to be constantly replanted because it cannot tolerate frost?
Is goose cress hardy?
Most goose cress species are hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -25 °C in unprotected locations and -30 °C in protected locations. Particularly well-known and hardy species are Arabis caerulea, Arabis vochinensis, Arabis suendermannii, Arabis alpina and Arabis caucasica.
Most species are hardy
Almost all types of goose cress tolerate more or less frost. In this country, the majority of goose cress is hardy. The plants have evergreen foliage and are herbaceous in their growth. Their winter hardiness is -25 °C in unprotected locations and -30 °C in protected locations.
The following perennial species are among the best known, are well hardy in our latitudes and basically never need winter protection:
- Arabis caerulea
- Arabis vochinensis
- Arabis suendermannii
- Arabis alpina
- Arabis caucasica
Cut down before the onset of winter
Before winter sets in, it is advisable to cut down the goose cress. Take a pair of conventional scissors or secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) and cut the stems down to around 10 cm above the ground. For very low-growing species, it is sufficient to remove the old inflorescences.
If you don't want the goose cress to multiply by itself using its seeds, it's best to cut it back immediately after flowering. This also has the advantage that the plant's strength is conserved.
Sometimes winter protection may be appropriate
But there are also more sensitive species such as Arabis blepharophylla, Arabis procurrens, Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii and Carniolan goose cress. If the thermometer reading falls below -10 °C, these plants should definitely be protected. Leaves and brushwood are suitable for this.
Even if you live in cool, harsh locations such as coastal regions and high altitudes, you should protect your goose cress when temperatures are significantly below zero. But be careful: as soon as the temperatures rise again, the protection will be removed! Otherwise, rot can quickly occur.
Tip
In winter, goose cress does not need any care, even though it often has evergreen foliage. It should neither be fertilized nor watered (exception: water cress in the pot sparingly in dry conditions).