Aubrieta

noun

Au·brie·ta | \ ˌȯ-brē-ˈe-tə, ˌȯ-ˈbrē-, ˌō-\

Definition of Aubrieta

1 : a genus of Eurasian perennial herbs (family Cruciferae) that often grow in dense mats, are cultivated in rock gardens, and have showy, usually purplish flowers

2 aubrieta or aubretia \ ō-ˈbrē-sh(ē-)ə , ȯ- \ or less commonly aubrietia \ ō-ˈbrē-sh(ē-)ə , ȯ- \ plural aubrietas or aubretias also aubrietias : a plant of the genus Aubrieta The technique to keep aubrietas going year after year is to shear them hard as they finish their display, so that they develop a new cushion of tight foliage. — Val Bourne, Daily Telegraph (London), 16 Apr. 2011 I used to be snooty about aubretia, but that was before I saw it growing wild on limestone cliffs in Greece. It's a beautiful plant, and one which will thrive on the driest wall. — Christopher Stocks, Independent on Sunday (London), 22 Aug. 2004