Arabis blepharophylla , the fringed leaf rock cress, is a small perennial of the Brassicaceae family, native to California, where it naturally grows on rocky outcrops and granite slopes of the central coast, at low altitude. This narrow geographical origin makes it a relatively little-known species outside circles of gardeners specializing in alpine and rock garden plants.
The plant forms a compact and low basal rosette, with oval, slightly fleshy leaves, of a shiny dark green, bordered with characteristic fringes that earned it its specific epithet. It barely reaches 10 to 15 cm in height in bloom, making it particularly suitable for rock gardens, walls, and gravel gardens.
Its flowering, which occurs early in the season, from February to April depending on climatic conditions, is remarkably colorful for the genus: the flowers, gathered in short and dense clusters, present a bright pink to deep carmine pink hue, sharply contrasting with the dark foliage. This earliness and intense color make it a very valuable plant to enliven the garden at the end of winter.
It appreciates a sunny exposure, well-drained, even poor soil, and tolerates some summer drought once well established. However, it dreads heavy and wet soils in winter. Several cultivars have been selected, including the much-appreciated 'Spring Charm', with particularly strong pink flowers.