Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.

Lobularia maritima is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Dry sunny places in the Mediterranean. Grows by the coast in Britain.

Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young leaves, stems and flowers are sometimes used as a flavouring in salads and other dishes where pungency is required.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is commonly used in Spain as an antiscorbutic and diuretic. It is also highly esteemed there as an astringent in the treatment of gonorrhoea.

Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in sandy soils. Grows well on dry walls. Tolerates maritime conditions. Although a short-lived perennial, it soon loses its compact habit if grown for more than one year and so is usually grown as an annual plant in gardens. A very ornamental plant, there are several named forms developed for their ornamental value. This species usually self-sows in the garden if growing in a good position. A fast-growing plant, it makes a good edging to a plant bed. The forms of this species with white flowers have the refreshing scent of new-mown hay - flowers of other colours having little or no scent. A good bee and butterfly plant. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Naturalizing, Fragrant flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - it can be sown in situ during mid to late spring and should germinate within 2 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted. In order to obtain an earlier display of the flowers, the seed can be sown in a greenhouse in late winter. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots and are then planted out in late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alyssum maritimum. Clypeola maritima.