Sweet Alyssum

alyssum 'snow crystals landscape'

alyssum 'snow crystals'

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritime) is often disagreement about the best time to plant it. It is actually a cool-season performer, and that means planting it now for the pleasure of its masses of tiny, honey- scented flowers that cover the ground like a carpet in spring. Its common name means 'worth beyond beauty', and how apt that is!

All the annual varieties are quick growing, compact plants that are 20 cm wide and 10-15 cm tall. Use them as borders and edgings, especially for roses, and as filler plants in containers, window boxes and hanging baskets, or between paving and in rockeries. In other words, anywhere and everywhere there is sunshine to be had!

alyssum 'clear crystals white'

When, where, how
• Plant alyssum just as the season turns for great flowering in autumn and         spring.
• Set out plants where they will receive full sun. They will not flower as well if planted In semi-shade, and the growth will be loose and leggy.
• Make sure the soil Is well dug ever and add plenty of compost.
• Alyssum prefers a neutral pH soil that drains well and is fertile.

alyssum 'easter bonnet mix'

alyssum 'clear crystals mixed'

Keeping up appearancesMost varieties will fade in the heat, but will come back again as the weather cools. When the flowers start to fade, cut off the tops of the plants and they will bloom again. Water regularly, especially in the summer heat, because alyssum does not respond well to prolonged dry spells. In beds that have been enriched with compost, fertilizer or rotted manure, regular fertilizing should not be necessary. Only fertilize after cutting back  that gives plants the necessary boost to form new flowers. Alyssum Is generally pest free, but in summer can be attacked by black diamond moth. The larvae eat the underside of the plant, denuding it of leaves. Any garden Insecticide, preferably organic, should sort it out. Plants under stress may also be infested by aphids.

alyssum 'easter basket formula mix'

Good to know
If alyssum is planted between or next to Stone pavers or on a slight slope that dries Out quickly, more frequent watering will be necessary. Alyssum in containers will also need more frequent watering, along with monthly feeding with a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer. Avoid this common mistake Alyssum is often chosen as a groundcover under roses. But once the roses are in full leaf they shade the alyssum and it doesn't thrive. It may also grow Into the roses in search of sun, which the roses don’t like, (lather plant the alyssum as a border, well in front of the roses so that it gets all the Sunshine and space it needs, as well as all the benefits of the care lavished on the roses.

alyssum 'clear crystal purple shades'

Quick tipIf you have a large expanse of plants, using hedge dippers and shearing them by a third is quicker, easier and less backbreaking than deadheading. They will soon set new buds.
What's the difference?
Eagle eyed visitors to garden centers may see two different alyssums. The 6-8 cavity seedling tray is generally labeled Alyssum. This b the flat-growing, traditional alyssum. What also looks like alyssum, but is labeled as 'Lobularia' and sold in a single pot, is a hybrid that looks the same but is genetically different. These have been selected and bred to be more vigorous, will cover a bigger area and are good for hanging baskets.

alyssum 'easter bonnet lavender'