Sweet alyssum
Also known as
Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Carpet flower, Sea alyssum
Keep this plantās care guide close at hand.
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Lobularia maritima, commonly called sweet alyssum, is a low-growing, mat-forming member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) prized for its clouds of tiny, honey-scented flowers that attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Native to the Mediterranean and nearby Atlantic islands, it thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and tolerates salt spray, wind, and drought once established. Plants typically reach 10ā30 cm tall and spread 20ā40 cm, forming neat edging, rock garden drifts, or spilling container rims. The wild type bears white blossoms, while cultivars range from lavender and pink to deep purple. Bloom is most profuse in cool conditionsāfrom spring to early summer and again in autumnāand may slow in high heat. In mild climates it can behave as a short-lived perennial or reseed lightly, yet it is usually grown as a cool-season annual. With modest water, lean soil, and full sun to light shade, sweet alyssum delivers long seasons of fragrance, pollinator support, and low-maintenance color.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Sweet alyssum
Water
Keep evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply but infrequently so the top 2ā3 cm of soil can dry between sessions. In the ground, aim for about 2.5 cm of water weekly during dry spells; reduce in cool, humid weather. Containers dry faster: water when the top 2ā3 cm are dry, letting excess drain freely. Avoid soggy conditions and never leave pots standing in saucers. Consistent moisture yields best bloom, but established plants tolerate brief drought.
Light
Provide full sun for 6ā8 hours daily for the heaviest bloom. In hot-summer climates, give light afternoon shade to prevent heat stress and extend flowering. Plants will tolerate partial shade, especially in coastal or bright, open sites, but expect fewer flowers in deep shade. Indoors or under cover, place near a bright south or west exposure or use supplemental grow lights to maintain compact growth and continuous budding.
Nutrients
Sweet alyssum is a light feeder. Incorporate compost or a small dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting in garden beds. In containers, use a dilute, balanced liquid feed (at 1/4ā1/2 strength) every 2ā4 weeks during active bloom. Avoid high nitrogen, which pushes foliage at the expense of flowers. Flush pots occasionally to prevent salt buildup, and refresh potting mix seasonally. In lean, well-drained soils, modest fertility sustains continuous flowering without excessive vegetative growth.
Temperature
Best performance occurs in cool weather, roughly 55ā75Ā°F (13ā24Ā°C). Plants tolerate light frost and can overwinter in mild regions, but hard freezes may kill top growth. Flowering often slows above 85Ā°F (29Ā°C); shear, water, and provide afternoon shade to rejuvenate. Treat as a cool-season annual in hot-summer climates and as a short-lived perennial or winter annual in frost-light zones. Protect from prolonged freeze-thaw cycles in poorly drained soils.
