Iberis sempervirens aka Edging Candytuft

Taxonomy

Iberis sempervirens, also known as the evergreen candytuft or perennial candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. Native to southern Europe, this plant is often used as an ornamental garden shrub due to its decorative flowers. It is an evergreen, mound-forming perennial or sub-shrub that reaches a height of around 30cm. The glossy green leaves are narrow in shape. From late spring to early summer, masses of rounded clusters of small white flowers with tiny yellow centers bloom. The name "Iberis" is derived from the Iberian Peninsula, where many members of the genus originate. The term "sempervirens" refers to the plant's evergreen foliage. In contrast, the globe candytuft (Iberis umbellata) is a common garden annual. It grows up to 40cm tall and features long, narrow leaves. This variety produces flat clusters of pink, violet, white, purple, or red flowers in late summer.

Common names

Edging Candytuft, Evergreen Candytuft, Perennial Candytuft

How to care for Edging Candytuft

Difficulty

Edging Candytuft presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Edging Candytuft should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Edging Candytuft loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Edging Candytuft thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Perennial Candytuft.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Edging Candytuft should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia