ALYSSUM MARITIMUM

Botanical Name: Alyssum maritimum
Common Names: Sweet Alyssum, Carpet Flower
Mature Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in height, 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky substrates
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Small, narrow, gray-green leaves forming dense mounds
Flowers: Tiny, fragrant clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers; blooms prolifically over a long season
Growth Rate: Fast

Uses:

Ground Cover:
Alyssum maritimum is prized for its low, spreading habit, creating a dense floral carpet that brightens borders, pathways, and rock gardens.

Pollinator-Friendly Plant:
Its sweetly fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Container and Hanging Basket Plant:
Perfect for cascading over edges in pots, planters, and window boxes.

Benefits:

• Extended Blooming Period: Flowers from spring through fall, and year-round in mild climates.

• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow, self-seeds readily, and tolerates poor soils.

• Fragrant Appeal: Sweet scent enhances sensory gardens and outdoor living spaces.

• Erosion Control: Dense growth helps stabilize soil on slopes and in garden beds.

• Versatile Color Accents: Available in multiple colors to suit varied garden palettes.

Alyssum maritimum is a fast-growing, fragrant ground cover that adds continuous charm to gardens, containers, and landscapes. Its abundant flowers, low water needs, and pollinator appeal make it an essential choice for colorful, low-maintenance plantings.