Alyssum plants are small, low-growing annuals and perennials that are part of the mustard family. They are native to the Mediterranean and are often grown as a ground cover or edging plant in gardens. Alyssum plants have small, fragrant, yellow, white, or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The foliage is typically a light green or gray-green color. Alyssum plants are easy to care for and require little maintenance. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. They are also drought tolerant and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Alyssum plants are a popular choice for rock gardens, containers, and as an edging plant.
Planning Your Garden With Alyssum
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Alyssum is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Alyssum is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Alyssum is a cold-hardy plant, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | Alyssum typically takes around 10-14 days to harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown alyssum plant is between 6 and 12 inches in height and width. |
| Spacing requirements | Alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that does best when spaced 8-12 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Alyssum is tolerant of full sun, but it prefers partial shade or dappled shade. It will tolerate some direct sun, but it may become scorched in hot, direct sunlight. |
| Shade tolerance | Alyssum is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate light shade. |
| Water requirements | Alyssum prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It should be watered regularly and evenly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It should not be allowed to dry out completely or sit in water-logged soil. Alyssum should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing alyssum depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing alyssum is 6.0-7.0. |
Why Alyssum is Popular
People like to grow alyssum because it is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that is easy to grow and provides a long-lasting, colorful display of flowers. It is also attractive to butterflies and bees, making it an excellent addition to a garden. Alyssum is also drought tolerant, making it a great choice for areas with low rainfall.
Companion Plants For Alyssum
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for alyssum include:
Common Pests For Alyssum
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow alyssum, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
