Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
Sweet alyssum is a low, spreading annual smothered in tiny honey-scented flowers, prized as a fast, fragrant carpet for borders, containers and hanging baskets.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; let surface dry between waterings
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a low-growing, mound- or carpet-forming plant in the mustard family, grown almost everywhere as a cool-season annual. Despite the common name 'alyssum,' it belongs to the genus Lobularia, distinct from the true rock-garden alyssums (Alyssum spp.).
It is loved for its profuse, sweetly honey-scented clusters of tiny flowers in white, pink, purple and apricot, which bloom from spring through fall. Quick to flower from seed and attractive to pollinators, it is a staple edging and container plant.
How to identify it
A spreading, low plant usually 8–15 cm tall and trailing wider.
- Leaves: small, narrow, lance-shaped, grey-green
- Flowers: tiny four-petaled blooms in dense rounded clusters, honey-scented, in white, pink, lavender or apricot
- Habit: mounding to trailing carpet that spills attractively over edges and baskets
- Bloom: very free-flowering over a long season, especially in cool weather
Care & growing
One of the easiest annuals to grow.
- Light: full sun for best bloom, with afternoon shade where summers are hot
- Water: keep moderately moist; let the surface dry slightly between waterings
- Soil: light, well-drained soil of average fertility
- Temperature: thrives in cool weather; may pause flowering in midsummer heat
- Feeding: a light feed sustains bloom; avoid excess nitrogen
- Propagation: very easy from seed sown directly; shearing spent plants encourages a fresh flush
Habitat & origin
Native to the Mediterranean region, sweet alyssum grows wild on coastal sands and rocky ground. It has naturalized in mild climates around the world, including parts of North America.
In cultivation it is grown globally as a bedding and container annual, valued for tolerating poor, dry, coastal soils.
Frequently asked questions
Is sweet alyssum a true alyssum?
No — despite its common name it is Lobularia maritima, in a separate genus from the true perennial Alyssum species used in rock gardens.
Does sweet alyssum attract bees?
Yes, abundantly; its nectar-rich flowers draw bees, hoverflies and other pollinators and beneficial insects, so it's a great companion plant.
Why did my alyssum stop blooming in summer?
It is a cool-season plant and often pauses in midsummer heat; shearing it back and cooler fall weather usually bring a fresh flush of flowers.
Alyssum guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Alyssum.
