Description
Lobularia maritima
Other Name
sweet alyssum
Sun Requirements
Full sun, part sun
Bloom Period and Seasonal Color
Blooms all summer in colors of white, lavender or pink
Mature Height x Spread
4 to 6 inches x 6 to 12 inches
Added Benefits
attracts butterflies, attracts beneficials, deer resistant
Alyssum is a low growing annual that is known for its carpet of sweet smelling white, violet or purple colored flowers. It grows and flowers best during the coolest parts of the summer in New England, but in northern and coastal areas can be in flower all summer long. The narrow hairy leaves are inconspicuous when alyssum is in full flower. Bees, butterflies and other insects love alyssum making it a good plant in a pollinator garden. In my garden it will self-sow readily and become a permanent fixture each year. However, I still like to replant new varieties each spring for added color and to grow more vigorous plants.