White Alyssum (border) & angelonia (in back)

 Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is one of the easiest annuals to grow. A member of the mustard family (Brassicaeae), it is native in the Mediterranean region and the Canary and Azores Islands (AHS heat zones 3-8). Modern day cultivars possess exceptional heat, humidity, and drought tolerance in summer months once fully established.  Alyssums may be utilized in mixed containers and hanging baskets; they are used to edge garden beds and borders.

Low growing alyssums lay down a fragrant spreading carpet of floral color. Medium green leaves are barely 1-inch in length. Alyssums grow 4-9 inches high and 18- 36 inches wide depending on variety. Flowers are self-cleaning and available in numerous color choices, including pink, rose, lavender, purple and apricot.

Dense clusters of sweetly fragrant white 4-petaled flowers cover the foliage mounds from spring to early summer. Individual flower clusters measure 2-3 inches in diameter, and they bloom from planting time up to hard frost. Alyssums are frequently planted as a winter annual in zone 9 and further south. In regions with long hot summers, alyssums tend to decline in summer’s heat unless planted sited under partial afternoon shade.

Plant alyssums in sun to partial sun and apply slow release fertilizer at planting time. Plants are shallow-rooted and do benefit from mulching and moderate irrigation in the summer heat. In mid-August alyssums may look tired, leggy or seedy; if so, clip back a few inches, irrigate, and re-fertilize. Plants will return to their glorious best within 1-2 weeks. Alyssums are not troubled with serious disease or pest problems.

Alyssum varieties:

‘Rosie O’Day’ – All-American Selection (AAS) winner with rose pink flowers.

Snow Princess® – AAS winner with outstanding performance and is very heat tolerant.

White Knight® – new in 2014 with dark green foliage and covered with fragrant white blossoms

Stream®series – Lavender Stream and White Stream are real performers.

Caution: Gardeners with sensitive skin should wear gloves when working with alyssums