Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritime)

This fine textured, low growing, undemanding plant is a garden treasure with a long bloom time. In my zone 7 garden it disappears during times of high night time temperatures and humidity, but in cooler climates blooms all summer if cut back and fertilized mid summer. Great plant for use as an edger or in containers.

Type: Annual.

Bloom: White, pink, rose, and lavender.

Size: Less than 6” H x 12” W.

Light: Full sun (tolerates part shade).

Soil: Fertile, well drained, pH 5.6 6.1 to 7.5.

Fertilizer: Use balanced water-soluble fertilizer in mid summer.

Care: Cut back by ½ after blooming and feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage reblooming.

Pests and Diseases: Red spider mites (spray with a forceful jet of water), and powdery mildew(cut off infected parts of the plant) are potential problems.

Propagation: Easily raised from seed sown in the soil a couple of weeks before the last frost; flowers about 6 weeks after germination. Often reseeds.

Companion plants: Petunia, lady’s mantle, annual geranium.

 

Tagged as: container gardening, Lobularia maritime, sweet alyssum