Alyssum Plant Info

  • Annuals, perennials, or biennials
  • Hardiness: USDA zones 7 to 11
  • Full Grown Size: 2 to 10 inches tall
  • Bloom Time: Spring to fall
  • Maintenance: Occasional fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer. Prune after the first flush of flowers to keep them compact

Alyssum is a fragrant plant that can brighten any garden with its delicate and dainty flowers. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, but has been successfully cultivated in other regions. Because of its versatility (and depending on the climate), you can grow it as an annual, perennial, or biennial. Not only is it simple to grow and care for, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects too. 

Lobularia maritima
Sweet alyssum
Sweet Alison
Carpet of snow
Seaside Lobularia
Maritime madwort
Seaside madwort
Healbite
Mary’s cushion
Snow Princess
Easter Bonnet
Wonderland
Tiny Tim
Golf
White, pink, purple, lavender, blue, or yellow blooms

Water

Alyssum prefers regular watering during dry spells. It's drought tolerant once established but performs better with consistent moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week during summer, less frequently during spring and fall, and sparingly during winter.

Sunlight

The plant thrives in full sun, ideally 6 hours a day, but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. If you live in tropical regions, provide some shade during the afternoon, especially for white-flowered varieties that may fade or burn.

Soil

Alyssum is fond of well-drained fertile soil with an alkaline pH. It doesn't grow well in heavy clay or acidic soil, so you can improve the growing medium's quality by adding compost, manure, or peat moss before planting.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, especially if grown in containers or poor soil. Apply half the dose once a month or every six weeks.

Pruning

Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half to stimulate new growth and encourage vibrant blooms. You can also prune lightly throughout the growing season to shape them or remove any dead or damaged parts.

Propagation

Each of these methods is simple to implement:
Sow the seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall, or indoors in winter or early spring.

Take the cuttings from vigorous stems in late spring or summer, and root in moist soil or water.

Divide the plant in spring or fall by digging up the clumps and separating them into smaller pieces.

Thrives in

Indoor and outdoor, as long as it's grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soil and receives 6 hours of sunlight

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests & Diseases

Alyssum is generally pest-free and disease-resistant, but can suffer from:
Aphids
Whiteflies
Powdery mildew
Root rot

Landscaping Ideas

Edging
Ground cover
Fillers
Hanging baskets
Containers
Accents
Companion for roses, lavender, or geraniums

Last Updated: October 1, 2023

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Author

Nonkululeko
Nonkululeko
I'm an enthusiastic gardener. I learned the art of growing my own food using sustainable gardening techniques from my father, which I still find effective for healthy plant growth. Gardening has become one of my best hobbies ever since I realized its benefits beyond growing my own food. Through experimenting and connecting with nature, I've found gardening to be a therapeutic and relaxing practice.

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