Troubleshooting
Royal Blue Aubrieta problems — and how to fix them
Royal Blue Aubrieta (Aubrieta 'Royal Blue') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root and crown rot
Overly wet soil, especially through winter or summer, causes roots and the crown to rot. Plant in raised beds or walls with free-draining substrate to prevent this.
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating on leaves occurs in humid or congested conditions. Shear the mat after flowering to open up growth, and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Woody, open growth
Older plants become bare and woody if never cut back. Hard trim to 5 cm above the base immediately after flowering each year to encourage a dense, fresh mat.
Prevent royal blue aubrieta problems before they start
Most royal blue aubrieta issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Royal Blue Aubrieta problems — FAQ
Why is my royal blue aubrieta root and crown rot?
Overly wet soil, especially through winter or summer, causes roots and the crown to rot. Plant in raised beds or walls with free-draining substrate to prevent this.
Why is my royal blue aubrieta powdery mildew?
White powdery coating on leaves occurs in humid or congested conditions. Shear the mat after flowering to open up growth, and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Why is my royal blue aubrieta woody, open growth?
Older plants become bare and woody if never cut back. Hard trim to 5 cm above the base immediately after flowering each year to encourage a dense, fresh mat.