1 / 9
© ashanks99, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Lobularia maritima
sweet alyssum
Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa, Canary Islands)
Learn more
Overview
Lobularia maritima is sweet alyssum, growing 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) tall and 9–18 inches (23–45 cm) wide. Dense rounded clusters 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of tiny 4-petaled flowers in white, purple, pink, or apricot from late spring through fall. Honey-like fragrance detectable at 3–5 feet (1–1.5 m). Gray-green narrow lance-shaped leaves 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm). In the mustard family (Brassicaceae) — not related to true alyssum (Alyssum). Flowering thins or pauses when daytime temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C) for extended periods — shearing by one-half during the heat pause promotes regrowth and resumed bloom in cooler fall temperatures. Self-seeds freely — volunteer seedlings appear the following spring (the progeny may revert to white). Supports beneficial insects: syrphid flies (hoverflies) and parasitoid wasps — used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract these biological pest-control agents. Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Tolerates light frost. The species name 'maritima' refers to the coastal habitat — tolerates salt spray and sandy soil. Native to the Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa, Canary Islands). Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic — the flowers are edible. Deer-resistant. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region — southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands, growing on coastal cliffs, sandy shores, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown as edging, in containers, between pavers, and as a vegetable garden companion (attracts beneficial insects) as a frost-tender annual. Self-seeds. The honey-like fragrance is the primary trait. White, purple, pink, and apricot cultivars available. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3" - 6"
Width/Spread9" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Late spring through fall (May–October), continuous in cool climates. Flowering thins in sustained heat above 85°F (29°C) — shear by one-half to promote fall regrowth. Self-seeds freely. Honey-like fragrance.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, purple, pink, or apricot; tiny, 4-petaled, in dense rounded clusters 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)Foliage Description
Gray-green, narrow lance-shaped, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates poor sandy soil, drought, and salt spray. Flowering pauses in sustained heat above 85°F (29°C) — shear by one-half for fall regrowth. Self-seeds (may revert to white). Supports beneficial insects (syrphid flies, parasitoid wasps). Non-toxic — flowers edible. Deer-resistant.Pruning
Shear by one-half when flowering thins in midsummer heat. The plants regenerate from the cut stems and resume dense bloom in cooler fall temperatures. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After last frost or in early fall
Days to Maturity
50–65 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches