Arabis pendula
Arabis pendula
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Pl. 55C9 — Arabis pendula
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IOverview
Overview
Arabis pendula, commonly known as the Alpine mouse-ear, is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH of 7–7.5 and reaches a height of about 0.9 meters. This plant is valued for its edible leaves, making it a useful addition to culinary gardens. Its distinctive feature is the way it hangs from rocks and cliffsides, giving it an elegant, cascading appearance that sets it apart in any landscape setting.
Quick answers
What is Arabis pendula?
Arabis pendula, commonly known as the Alpine mouse-ear, is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Arabis pendula thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium or heavy clay soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 0.9 meters tall. This biennial plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For cultivation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or fall. Harvest the leaves as needed throughout the growing season. SKIP
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Arabis pendula for the first time
8steps
Start with Arabis pendula as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Arabis pendula in early spring or late summer for the best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 7 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplant to the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect young plants from extreme weather conditions.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health, but do not harvest as Arabis pendula is primarily grown for its ornamental value.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil conditions, and neglecting to protect young plants from harsh weather are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Arabis pendula are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are commonly used in salads for their fresh flavor or added to soups and stews for a boost of nutrition. The plant thrives in soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 2 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 22 native· 2 introduced
Europe15 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (2)BelgiumUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Palestine
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 55c9e072-6b77-485a-bf44-c4e6d2438a56
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