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Sweet alyssum

Lobularia maritima · Brassicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant sweet alyssum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, fine and linear
Flowering
April to October, white, pink or purple flowers depending on varieties
Adult size
15 to 30 cm in height, spreading and bushy habit
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Not very hardy, frost-sensitive below -5 °C
Origin
Mediterranean region (coastal)
Soil type
Well-drained, light, tolerates poor soils

Care

Bright light exposure

Sweet alyssum loves direct sunlight: place it in a sunny location for at least 6 hours a day for abundant and generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade as well, but will flower less densely. Avoid overly shaded spots that promote leggy growth.

Regular and moderate watering

Water regularly as soon as the soil surface becomes dry, especially during the flowering period and in hot spells. In pots, the substrate should remain moist but never waterlogged: excess water promotes rot. In autumn and winter, significantly reduce watering.

Well-drained and light soil

Sweet alyssum appreciates a light, porous and well-drained substrate: a mixture of potting soil, sand and compost works perfectly. It tolerates poor and gravelly soils, typical of rocky coastal areas. Improve drainage in pots by adding gravel to the bottom of the container.

Pruning and tidying

Pinch young plants to encourage a compact and bushy habit. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend flowering throughout the summer. A light pruning in spring revitalizes the plant and removes parts damaged by winter.

Gentle fertilizing

Apply a balanced or flower-specific fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing and flowering period. Moderate feeding is sufficient: this small herbaceous plant doesn't need heavy doses, and too much nitrogen encourages foliage at the expense of flowers.

Problem prevention

Watch for aphids and whiteflies that enjoy young shoots: remove them by water spray or early treatment if necessary. Stagnant moisture can promote rot: ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive leaf wetting.

Did you know?

Sweet alyssum owes its scientific name 'maritima' to its natural habitat: it grows on cliffs and rocks of the Mediterranean coast, where it clings to crevices exposed to salt spray. Its tiny, extremely fragrant white flowers attract pollinating insects and release a sweet almond scent highly appreciated by gardeners since the 18th century.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.