Clear Crystal Mixed Alyssum. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyCondensed Version:
Alyssum is a compact, low-growing plant that grows about 15cm tall and spread about 20 to 25cm. It remains one of the most popular summer bedding plants because it is low maintenance, long flowering and very easy to grow all year round. It is available in lovely in shades of pink, rose, purple, mauve, white and yellow. Plants will grow quickly to +-15cm tall and spread about 20 to 25cm.
It can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds or seedling trays from spring to late summer and autumn thriving in full sun or light shade. It will grow in sandy soil and does well in coastal gardens. Plant it in fertile but very well drained soil and water regularly for best results. It is hardy to frost and will tolerate drought but grows best if watered regularly.
Full Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
Alyssum is a compact, low-growing plant that grows about 15cm tall and spread about 20 to 25cm. It remains one of the most popular summer bedding plants because it is low maintenance, long flowering and very easy to grow all year round. Its honey scented flower spikes will attract bees and butterflies to the garden and are available in lovely in shades of pink, rose, purple, mauve, white and yellow.
Alyssum is native to northern Africa i.e. northern Algeria, Egypt, northern Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, the Canary Islands and southern Europe i.e. France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Albania and Greece. It has escaped cultivation and is now widely naturalized elsewhere in the temperate world.
The genus name Lobularia comes from the Greek word meaning "small pod", referring to the shape of the fruits. The name of the species maritima refers to its preferred coastal habitat.
In the Garden:
Clear Crystal White Alyssum. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural Company
Alyssum is a low grower that makes a wonderful carpet-like ground cover, and, as the plants spread, they will create a living mulch under taller plants. You can also use it as an edging plant in the garden, or to fill nooks and crannies on walkways and walls.
If you plant it near stone or anywhere that dries out quickly, you will need to provide some extra water.
The tight, free-flowering plants are also great in hanging baskets and containers, mixing effortlessly with other flowering plants in all manner of containers for months of colour.
Plant it as a border to the fruit and vegetable garden, because Alyssum attracts vital insect pollinators like bees to the garden.
Cultivation/Propagation:
Alyssum thrives in full sun or light shade.
It will grow in sandy soil and does well in coastal gardens. Plant it in fertile but very well drained soil and water regularly for best results.
It is hardy to frost and will tolerate drought but grows best if watered regularly. Alyssum will seed itself around the garden under favourable conditions.
Deadheading will keep the plants flowering for longer, and if you have a large drifts of plants, shearing them by 1/3 would be an easier option than deadheading, and they will set new buds quickly.
Seed can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds or seedling trays from spring to late summer and autumn, when temperatures are between 20 and 26°C. Cover the seeds lightly with sifted soil or vermiculite. They germinate in about 3 days and take up to 9 weeks to flower.
Pests & Diseases:
Sweet Alyssum is remarkably problem free. Aphids can become a pest, especially when the plants are under stress.
Caution:
Lobularia maritima is non toxic to humans, cats, dogs and horses. Always supervise small children in the garden and discourage them from chewing on plants.