Aubrieta, with its stunning cascade of purple and pink flowers, is often a favorite in rock gardens and borders. But what happens when it stops blooming? I’ve faced this issue myself and know how frustrating it can be to see a usually vibrant plant suddenly not producing flowers. Let me walk you through the main causes behind Aubrieta’s lack of blooms and, more importantly, how I got mine back to full bloom.
Main Causes of Aubrieta Not Blooming
Incorrect Pruning
One of the first things I learned was that improper pruning can seriously affect Aubrieta’s blooming cycle. If it’s pruned too late in the season, especially after the flowering period, it might not have enough time to prepare for the next blooming cycle.
Solution: Prune Aubrieta right after its flowering season. This gives it plenty of time to recover and set up for the next round of blooms. I’ve found that light trimming of dead or straggly stems ensures healthier growth and more flowers next year.
Lack of Sunlight
I made the mistake of planting my Aubrieta in a spot that didn’t get enough direct sunlight. While it’s known for being hardy and drought-tolerant, this plant loves basking in the sun.
Solution: Make sure your Aubrieta gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If it’s shaded by other plants or structures, consider moving it to a sunnier spot. Once I relocated mine, I saw a noticeable difference in flower production.
Poor Soil Conditions
Aubrieta thrives in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. When my plant wasn’t blooming, I realized the soil was too rich, and that could lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Solution: If your soil is too rich, amend it with some gritty materials like sand or small gravel to improve drainage. Keeping the soil lean will help encourage flowers over leaves. In my experience, balancing the nutrients led to a healthier, flower-filled Aubrieta.
Additional Solutions for Better Blooming
Watering Issues
Overwatering is another sneaky cause of blooming problems. Aubrieta doesn’t do well in soggy soil, and too much water can cause root rot or stunted growth.
Solution: Water your plant sparingly, especially if it’s in well-draining soil. Let the topsoil dry out between watering sessions. I’ve noticed that when I kept a close eye on the soil moisture, the blooms returned in no time.
Fertilizer Use
While you might think feeding your Aubrieta more will help it bloom, too much fertilizer—especially nitrogen-heavy ones—can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers.
Solution: Use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer sparingly. I only fertilize mine once a year in the early spring, just before the growing season kicks in, and that’s been enough to promote healthy blooming.
Age of the Plant
Sometimes, Aubrieta just needs a refresh. Older plants might not bloom as vigorously, and I found that dividing the plant can help rejuvenate it.
Solution: Divide your Aubrieta every few years to encourage new growth. Early spring is the best time to do this. When I divided mine, it led to an explosion of blooms the following season.
Final Thoughts
Getting Aubrieta to bloom again can be a process of trial and error, but once you figure out what’s going wrong, the fix is usually simple. From adjusting pruning practices to making sure it’s getting enough sun and the right soil conditions, small tweaks can bring big rewards. For me, seeing those purple blooms return after a season of silence was incredibly satisfying. Hopefully, these tips help you get your Aubrieta blooming beautifully again.
