Sweet Alyssum

(Lobularia maritima)

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lobularia maritima, commonly known as Sweet Alyssum, is an annual or perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including North Africa and parts of Europe. It typically grows to 5–30 cm (2–12 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide. Sweet Alyssum has a very branched stem with dense clusters of small, honey-scented flowers that are about 5 millimeters in diameter. The flowers come in shades of white, pink, rose-red, violet, yellow, and lilac, each with four rounded petals and four sepals, blooming profusely throughout the growing season or year-round in frost-free areas.

This plant is valued for its delightful fragrance and extended flowering period. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens, borders, and containers due to its low-growing habit. Sweet Alyssum is easy to grow and maintain, with some varieties reseeding in temperate climates. Deadheading encourages more blooms. It thrives in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types with varying drainage. While it prefers partial shade, it is notably heat and drought-resistant. Darker flower varieties are more suited to cooler temperatures. However, Lobularia maritima can be invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White, Purple, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Alison , Sweet-Alice , Sweet-Alyssum , Seaside Koniga , Seaside Lobularia , Strand-Silberkraut , Alysse Corbeille D’Argent , Lobulaire Maritime , Alysson Maritime , Zilverschildzaad

Scientific Names: Lobularia maritima , Alyssum maritimum , Lobularia maritima subsp. maritima , Alyssum minimum , Koniga maritima , Lepidium angustifolium , Koniga halimifolia , Clypeola maritima , Alyssum strigulosum , Alyssum halimifolium

GBIF Accepted Name: Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv.