Sweet alyssum - Lobularia maritima (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Sweet alyssum

Also known as: Sea-side madwort, Lobularia

Lobularia maritima, commonly known as sweet alyssum, is an annual flowering plant that grows very low and has a tendency to spread its branches over the soil, creating a mat. That is why this lovely ornamental is an excellent choice for a groundcover or a bedding plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Mustards, capers, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

5 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

20 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

1.2 mm to 2.5 mm

Flower Size

Yellow, Gold, Cream, Tan

Fruit Color

White, Purple, Pink, Lavender

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Summer dormancy, Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet alyssum

Distribution of Sweet alyssum

Distribution Map

Sweet alyssum is a flowering annual which originated in southern Europe in sunny meadows and fields. The plant is widely cultivated in gardens and containers around the world. It is considered an invasive plant in California.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Coast

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Sweet alyssum is a mat-forming plant that does well as a seasonal ground cover. It is popular as an edging plant in walkways and its height makes it a good accent plant in rock gardens. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators and birds. Vibrant companion plants of the sweet alyssum include the Autumn Joy Herbstfreude, Black Adder or Blue Fortune Giant Hyssop, and David Howard Dahlia. For more muted tones, drought-resistant Feathertop Grass makes a great accompaniment.

Symbolism

Happy memories, calm, cooling of tempers, protection from conflict, peace

Interesting Facts

The flowers of sweet alyssum, as the name suggests, emit a sweet fragrance. Some say that it releases a honey-like scent. That is probably the reason why sweet alyssum attracts various insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

Name Story

Sweet alyssum: Lobularia maritima was known as Alyssum maritimum originally, so Alyssum has always existed in its common name. Moreover, sweet is used to describe its flowers. When the delicate flowers blossom, the flowers release honey-like fragrant which is sweet and beautiful. Hence, it is called sweet alyssum.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweet alyssum, including the following common varieties :

Sweet alyssum 'Snowdrift'Sweet alyssum 'Rosie O'Day'Sweet alyssum 'Snow Crystals'

Quickly Identify Sweet alyssum

Compact growth habit, reaching 3-9 inches (7.6-22.9 cm) tall and spreading up to 12 inches (30.5 cm).

Small, ovate to lanceolate leaves densely packed along stems, with a gray-green color.

Tiny, four-petaled flowers in white, pink, or purple, measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) across.

Cream-colored, oval seed pods with a single yellowish seed, exhibiting a smooth to slightly textured surface.

Distinct lance-shaped oval leaves, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, with a soft gray-green color.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Sweet alyssum

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sweet alyssum originates from the Mediterranean and thrives in well-drained, moderately moist soils. It prefers consistent watering, ideally twice a week, and full sun exposure, making it adaptable to outdoor environments with varying water conditions.

Fertilize: Fertilize sweet alyssum every 4-6 weeks with high phosphorus fertilizers to improve blooms and health, using sparingly to avoid nutrient burn. Water beforehand to enhance uptake. Adjust frequency and dosage as growth slows in cooler months for optimal vitality.

Pruning: Sweet alyssum is a fragrant annual with a low-growing, spreading habit and abundant tiny blooms. Trim by one-third after initial flowering in spring to maintain shape and promote growth. Regular deadheading also extends blooming. Use clean, sharp shears for effective pruning.

Propagation: Sweet alyssum is a low-growing perennial often treated as an annual, prized for its fragrance and flower clusters. Propagate by sowing seeds in well-drained soil, keeping it moist until germination. Thin seedlings after true leaves develop, while ensuring consistent moisture and good air circulation for establishment.

Repotting: Sweet alyssum requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive effectively.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Sweet alyssum

Distribution of Sweet alyssum

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Sweet alyssum

Care Guide for Sweet alyssum

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases