Alyssum

Alyssum, more commonly known as Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), is a popular flowering plant prized for its low-growing, mat-forming habit and its clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers. It’s an excellent choice for ground cover, borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Key Characteristics

• Flowers: The most notable feature of Alyssum is its profusion of small, four-petaled flowers. They grow in dense clusters, creating a “carpet” of color. The flowers are typically white, but varieties are also available in shades of pink, purple, and lavender.
• Fragrance: As its name suggests, Sweet Alyssum has a sweet, honey-like fragrance that can fill the air, especially in the evening.
• Growth Habit: It is a low-growing, spreading plant, typically reaching a height of only 3 to 10 inches with a spread of up to 12 inches. It grows quickly from seed and will readily cascade over the edges of pots and hanging baskets.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers are a magnet for beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.
• Hardiness: While often grown as a warm-season annual in many climates, Sweet Alyssum is a short-lived perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 and can be grown as a cool-season annual in warmer, frost-free regions.

Growing and Care

Alyssum is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow from seed or as a nursery plant.

• Sunlight: It thrives in full sun but will benefit from some afternoon shade in regions with very hot and dry summers. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for the best flowering.
• Soil: It prefers moist, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy or loamy soil, as long as it doesn’t stay waterlogged.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially in hot weather, to keep the soil consistently moist. This is particularly important for plants in containers, which tend to dry out more quickly.
• Pruning/Deadheading: While not strictly necessary, you can lightly shear or trim the plant back by about one-third after the first big flush of blooms. This will encourage new growth and a second wave of flowering.
• Fertilizer: Alyssum does not require heavy fertilization. An overly rich soil can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers. If your soil is poor, you can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
• Propagation: It is very easy to grow from seed. You can sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost or start them indoors a few weeks before. The seeds are very small and should be pressed into the soil surface, as they need light to germinate.

Common Problems

• Heat Stress: In hot summer weather, Alyssum may stop blooming and start to look leggy or wilted. Trimming it back and providing adequate water can help it rebound once cooler weather returns in the fall.
• Pests and Diseases: Alyssum is generally disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal issues like root rot if overwatered. Watch for aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap if necessary.