Alyssum – Sweet Carpet of Snow

TO ORDER & SEE PRICING SCROLL DOWN

Alyssum ‘Sweet Carpet of Snow’ (Lobularia maritima) is a compact, low-growing annual flower known for its dense clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. Plants generally grow about 3–6 inches tall and spread approximately 10–12 inches wide, forming a low, spreading mat that works well for borders, pathways, rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, and mass plantings.

Sweet Alyssum grows best in full sun to partial shade and performs well in fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can tolerate some dry conditions once established. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade can help extend flowering.

This variety is well suited to garden borders, edging, rock gardens, pathways, containers, hanging baskets, mass plantings, pollinator gardens, and other low-growing landscape applications. Its compact growth habit makes it particularly useful where a low mat of flowers is desired.

Sweet Alyssum produces abundant, fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Its flowers provide both nectar and pollen and can also attract beneficial predatory and parasitic insects.

Sweet Alyssum is native to the western and central Mediterranean region and is not native to the United States. It has been introduced and naturalized in numerous parts of the country.

The species can behave as an annual or short-lived perennial depending on climate. In colder regions it is generally grown as an annual, while in mild climates it may survive for more than one season. Plants may also reseed under suitable conditions.

Growing Conditions

Sweet Alyssum performs best in:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Well-drained soil
• Loam, sand, or clay soils
• Moderate soil moisture
• Cool to moderate growing conditions

Plants tolerate some drought once established, but regular moisture generally produces better flowering, particularly during hot or dry weather.

Avoid consistently waterlogged sites and poorly drained soils.

Planting

Sweet Alyssum can be established by direct seeding or by starting seed indoors.

For direct seeding, prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and broadcast the seed evenly over the soil surface. Press the seed firmly into the soil to provide good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid burying the seed deeply.

Sweet Alyssum seed is small and should be planted shallowly.

Pacific Northwest Planting

In Oregon and much of the Pacific Northwest, spring planting is generally the most straightforward approach for establishing Sweet Alyssum as an annual flower.

Fall planting can also be used where conditions are suitable, particularly when the objective is to establish plants before winter or obtain early-season growth. Avoid planting when conditions could result in premature germination immediately before severe winter weather.

Warm-Climate Planting

In warmer regions, fall planting can be advantageous because plants can establish and flower during cooler portions of the growing season.

Sweet Alyssum generally performs best when protected from prolonged periods of extreme summer heat.

Germination & Establishment

Sweet Alyssum is relatively easy to establish from seed when adequate moisture and good seed-to-soil contact are provided.

Germination generally occurs in approximately 15–20 days under favorable conditions. Plants can begin flowering approximately 5–6 weeks after establishment, depending on planting date, temperature, and growing conditions.

Because the seed is small, avoid deep planting or covering the seed heavily with soil.

Blooming

‘Sweet Carpet of Snow’ produces masses of small, white, fragrant flowers.

In cooler climates, flowering can continue from spring into fall when adequate moisture is available. In hot weather, flowering may decrease until temperatures moderate.

Lightly trimming or shearing plants after an initial flush of flowering can encourage fresh growth and additional blooms.

Choosing the Right Site

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Sweet Alyssum is particularly well suited to:

• Garden borders
• Flower bed edging
• Rock gardens
• Pathways
• Containers
• Hanging baskets
• Mass plantings
• Pollinator gardens
• Beneficial-insect plantings
• Low-growing landscape areas

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Value

Sweet Alyssum produces fragrant flowers containing both nectar and pollen.

The flowers are visited by bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other flower-visiting insects. Sweet Alyssum can also attract beneficial insects, including lacewings, parasitic wasps, and pirate bugs.

Important Planting Consideration

Sweet Alyssum is an introduced species in the United States. Although it is widely grown as an ornamental and pollinator plant, it has been reported as invasive or potentially invasive in certain areas, including portions of Northern California.

Check with your state Department of Agriculture, local extension service, or other regional authority if you are planting Sweet Alyssum in natural areas, restoration projects, or locations where introduced species may be restricted.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

The broadcast rate for seeding is 4–5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 2 pounds per acre.