CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Annuals: Sweet Alyssum

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Lobularia maritima

Because it is covered with tiny flowers from late spring until frost, sweet alyssum, a native of the Mediterranian area, has been a garden-border favorite for generations. The old-fashioned variety is white, but clear pink and deep lavender types, sharing the honeylike fragrance of the white, have been developed. Though most varieties grow to only 3 or 4 inches, some reach 10 inches; all types become mounds of solid color broader than their height. Alyssum provides sweet-smelling flowers for window boxes and hanging baskets in addition to its primary role as an edging plant. Since the plants can be moved any time with a clump of soil around their roots, keep a few extra on hand to fill in empty spaces in your garden. They will do well in rock gardens and between flagstones and are often planted in bulb beds to provide color after spring-flowering bulbs have faded. They prosper in almost any soil and do best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Sow the seeds as early in spring as you can spade and rake the seedbed, or start plants indoors four to six weeks before the last frost is due, setting them in the garden 6 to 8 inches apart after all danger of frost is past. Sweet alyssum blossoms very quickly from seed and continues to flower until late fall. If the flower output wanes, shear the plants back part way and they will blossom again. They often seed themselves in gardens, and in Zones 9-10 sweet alyssum blooms the year around.

	'Snow Crystals', a neat mounding variety with extra-large, pure white flower clusters.
	'Wonderland Purple', masses of small violet flowered clusters cover spreading plants.
	'Easter Basket Mix', compact growing mix of white, lavender, rose, pink, and violet flowers. Long lasting. Easy maintenance. Strong honey scent attracting butterflies and bees. Often self-seeding for following year.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.