Alyssum
Clusters of fragrant flowers in white and purple, blooming with a lovely star shape! A great addition to season gardens and containers for its compact growth and trailing habit.
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How to Care for Alyssum
Sunlight: Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade. It blooms best with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Soil: Plant Alyssum in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. It prefers sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0.
Water: Alyssum prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fertilizer: Alyssum is a light feeder. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and follow up with a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season if needed.
Pruning: Prune Alyssum lightly to encourage continuous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote new growth and extend the flowering period. Trim back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a neat appearance.
Pests and Diseases: Alyssum is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or caterpillars. Watch for signs of root rot or mildew, often caused by overwatering or poor air circulation.
Winter Hardiness: Alyssum is frost-sensitive and typically grown as an annual in most climates. In USDA zones 9-11, it can overwinter as a perennial. Protect plants from frost by mulching or growing them in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather. Reseeding may occur in the spring for annual varieties.
Items For Added Success
Species: Alyssum maritimum
Other Species Names: Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Lobularia
Plant Height: 3 in.
Spread: 18 in.
Evergreen: No
Plant Form: Trailing
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Minimum Sunlight: Partial Shade
Maximum Sunlight: Full Sun
Clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in white or purple. A lovely addition to baskets, containers, and flowerbeds for their dense growth and trailing habit.
An annual known for its dense growth and tailing habit, making it an excellent option for containers and hanging basket. A lovely plant for pollinators as well thanks to its sweet fragrance. Alyssum can be planted in multiple ways including in mass plantings, borders, groundcover, containers, and hanging baskets.
Will grow roughly 3 inches in height with a spread of 6 to 9 inches, making this a great option for groundcovers, in between pavers, or filling flowerbeds. Grows best in full sun to partial shade and requires occasional watering and upkeep.