Question
QUESTION: I saw a 6-pak of small purple-flowered border plants that were in the perennial section.  Said they get around 4" tall.  Looks similar to allysum or phlox, but a perennial.  Thought it said something liek "whitcrest" or "woodcrest", but my memory could be totally off.  Can you help?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Mary,
Thanx for your question.  Where are you located?  That would help me a little bit.
thx,
Tom

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QUESTION: Hi Tom, I'm in Iowa (Bellevue), along the Mississippi.  I actually went back to the store, and it's called "Whitewell Gem", Purple Rockcress Aubrieta.  Have you any experience with this, and how it would do in Iowa? I'm gradually converting an annual bed to perennial, and want some sort of low, flowering ground cover stuff that does well in full sun.  Thanks, Mary

Answer
Hi Mary,
Thanx for your question and the additional information.  Aubrieta is a good ground cover for your area (hardy from zones 4-8).  It grows well in rock gardens, between stepping stones and around rocks but it is great as a low-growing ground cover.  It does well in our alkaline soils here in the Midwest.  It doesn't require a lot of maintenance.  I think you will be pleased with it.  I hope this helps.
Tom