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Perennial of the Brassicaceae family, the aubrieta originates from the eastern Mediterranean basin and the Middle East, from rocky and sunny regions ranging from the Balkans to Iran. The cultivated forms are garden hybrids resulting from crosses between several wild species, mainly Aubrieta deltoidea.
It forms a dense and compact cushion, 10 to 15 cm in height with a width that can reach 30 to 40 cm. The foliage is evergreen, composed of small oval, gray-green leaves, slightly tomentose to the touch, which remain well proportioned and tight even outside of flowering.
The flowers, simple, with four widely open petals, are a deep magenta pink, traversed by darker veins, with a bright yellow center that vividly attracts bees and bumblebees. They completely cover the cushion at the time of anthesis.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from March to May. In cultivation, it generally occurs from April to May depending on exposure and altitude.
It requires well-drained soil, poor to moderately rich, in full sun. A light pruning after flowering maintains the compactness of the habit. Excellent in rock gardens, on walls or in mineral borders.