Day 9: Aubretia

As always, looking closely at anything can reveal hitherto unseen detail and beauty, such as the delicate darker purple 'veins' running along the silky petals of my largest aubretia, which is gradually taking over my front garden.

Aubretia are low growing, evergreen perennials which form a mat over time. If planted in walls or containers, they can spread and trail over the edges, creating a purple or pink cascade of flowers in spring. They bear the 'RHS Plants for Pollinators' logo (not Perfect for Pollinators, as it once was, read Dave Goulson's The Garden Jungle to find out why), and are one of the only plants I have on which I have previously seen bee-flies feeding. They are also visited by hoverflies, honeybees, bumblebees, flies and some butterflies.

This plant is supposed to like full sun and well drained soil, but I have found them very easy to grow and maintain, even in the North-facing, partially shaded front garden. Definitely a worthwhile plant to have for pollinators, and easy gardening!

References:
Thomas, A. (2017) Gardening for Wildlife, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/63705/Aubrieta-Argenteovariegata-(v)/Details (accessed 31/03/2020)