sweet alyssum
Lobularia maritima
RHS Plants for Pollinators; MBG Plant of Merit 2000; MBG Plant of Merit 2013
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 9 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a groundcover for borders, containers, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its dense mats of gray-green leaves stay 3 to 9 inches tall. White, fragrant flowers appear in spring, summer, and autumn. Butterflies and bees visit the blooms, and the plant tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Baby's breath, Casa Blanca lily, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Baleares, and 4 more places. See all 8
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Baleares, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, and Sicilia.