Plant of the week

AUBRIETA ‘KITTE BLUE’

AUBRIETAS are the brightest stars among spring rock garden plants. They’re easy to grow and spectacular in full bloom. In rocky conditions and full sun, they develop low domes, which are covered in four-petalled, vivid flowers. Most garden aubrieta were developed from two wild species. They’re all pretty, but the Kitte varieties are smothered with much larger flowers than earlier varieties. One of the best, Kitte Blue, has startling purple-blue petals. Bees and butterflies love it. Aubrietas need full sun and neutral or alkaline, free-draining soil. They make lovely plants for the patio.