A low carpet of tiny honey-scented flowers that hum with bees and hoverflies, perfect for edging and baskets. Tough, quick and self-seeding in mild climates.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 10 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima is a fast-growing annual in the Brassicaceae family. It reaches around 10 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White, purple and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Sweet Alyssum provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Sweet Alyssum performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Sweet Alyssum after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Sweet Alyssum in the garden
Sweet Alyssum earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, its fragrance, pots and courtyard containers, hanging baskets and holding soil on banks and slopes. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate as Sweet Alyssum. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Sweet Alyssum
Plant Sale lists Sweet Alyssum as seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Sweet Alyssum seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
