Ideal Plants For Your Rockery

Now that you have decided which rocks and stones to include in your rockery, it's time to think about the plants that will complement them perfectly. However, it's important to choose plants that can thrive in the dry conditions typically found around a rockery. In this guide, we will explore some ideal plant options for your rock garden that are well-suited to the UK climate.

1. Aubretia Aubretia is a flowering plant that comes in vibrant shades of purple, blue, and pink. It adds a pop of colour to your garden rockery and is sure to catch anyone's attention. In addition to their beauty, Aubretia plants attract bees, making your rockery a delightful sight in the summer. These plants bloom from the beginning of spring until the end of May. After flowering, it's recommended to cut them back to encourage neat and compact growth.
	2. Sempervivum Sempervivum, commonly known as "live forever," gets its name from its hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions. These small, dense, and fleshy plants thrive best in full sun, so keep this in mind when choosing their location in your rockery. While some varieties produce flowers, it's common for them to focus on growing for several years before flowering. Sempervivum is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only moderate watering and shade from extreme sun exposure. Sempervivum topaz is a beautiful variety that can inject vibrant colour into your garden rockery.
3. Sedum Brilliant To soften the harshness created by stones in your rockery, consider planting Sedum Brilliant. This lovely plant blooms in a beautiful pink shade during late summer. Like Aubretias, it's advisable to trim Sedums after flowering to maintain their shape. Sedums are also low-maintenance plants, but they may need to be divided after several years or when showing signs of decline.
	4. Imperata 'Red Baron' If you want to add texture and colour to your rockery, consider incorporating Imperata 'Red Baron' plants. Their deep red linear grass-like leaves can sometimes produce silver flowering panicles in late summer. These plants thrive best in partial shade to full sun and may require some protection during colder winter temperatures. Imperata 'Red Baron' is ideal for those who prefer minimal gardening efforts, as they rarely suffer from plant diseases or pest problems. It's recommended to remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
5. Alyssum Alyssum, particularly the yellow variety, can brighten up your garden rockery. It grows well even in poor soils as long as they are well-drained. Alyssum requires little maintenance, with an annual trimming after flowering being sufficient. It thrives in sunny locations, so keep this in mind when arranging your plants in the rock garden.
	6. Saxifraga Saxifraga, also known as rockfoil, is a versatile plant that thrives in rocky environments. It comes in a variety of colours and forms, including mats, cushions, and rosettes. Saxifraga blooms in spring and early summer, producing delicate flowers that add beauty to your rockery. These plants prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.
7. Dianthus Dianthus, commonly known as pinks, are charming flowering plants that are well-suited for rockeries. They come in a range of colours and produce fragrant blooms throughout the summer. Dianthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance and can add a delightful touch to your rock garden.
	8. Armeria Armeria, also called sea thrift, is a hardy plant that thrives in coastal regions but can also adapt well to rockeries. It forms compact clumps of grass-like foliage and produces round clusters of flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple. Armeria prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens.
9. Campanula Campanula, or bellflowers, are a diverse group of plants that include both ground-hugging varieties and taller, upright species. They produce bell-shaped flowers in various colours, including blue, purple, and white. Campanulas prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Their blooms add a charming element to rockeries.
	10. Thymus Thymus, or thyme, is an aromatic herb that not only adds fragrance to your rockery but also brings texture and colour. There are numerous thyme varieties available, including creeping and upright forms. Thyme plants have small leaves and produce tiny flowers in white, pink, or purple. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a popular choice for rock gardens.
11. Helianthemum Helianthemum, also known as rock rose, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in rocky, sunny locations. It forms low mounds of evergreen foliage and produces vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and white. Helianthemum blooms profusely in spring and summer, adding a burst of colour to your rockery garden.

Regardless of the plants you choose for your rockery, it's recommended to cover the soil with a layer of grit. This helps with drainage and keeps slugs away from your plants and their flowers.

Creating a rockery with these ideal plants will not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also provide a habitat for beneficial insects like bees. Enjoy the beauty and low-maintenance nature of these plants as they bring life and colour to your rockery.