Iberis umbellata aka Garden Candytuft

Iberis umbellata is known as annual or globe candytuft. It belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its native range lies in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It grows in rocky and bushy places on lime-rich soils. Gardens grow it as an annual, though Kew also records biennial plants. It forms a low, bushy mound and grows fast.

Plants reach about 1–1.7 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] tall. RHS describes smaller plants around 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Spread ranges from 0.5–1.6 feet [0.15–0.5 metres] across the sources. Smooth green stems stand upright and branch near their tips. The narrow, dark green leaves have smooth edges and no hairs. Each leaf has a short stalk or none at all. Leaves can look lance-shaped or broaden toward their tips.

Flat flower clusters open in late spring and summer. NC State gives May through June as the flowering period. The sweet scent adds to their value near paths. Flowers come in white, pink, purple, and crimson shades. Each flower has four petals above a violet calyx. The outer petals are larger than the inner ones. Bees, butterflies, and moths pollinate the flowers. Small oval fruits follow in summer. These fruits have wings and a notch at the tip.

Full sun gives the best flower display. The plant also tolerates some shade, according to NC State. Give it moist soil that drains well, without excess watering. Poor to moderately rich soil suits it. It grows in sand, loam, chalk, and drained clay. RHS favors neutral to alkaline soil; NC State also lists acid soil. The plant tolerates heat and poor ground. RHS assigns it the UK hardiness rating H4. Sow seed in spring, after the last frost. Plants can also self-seed, and gardeners can save their seed. RHS advises cutting plants back once flowering ends.

Use candytuft along paths, in borders, or in pots. Its low form fits small beds and rock gardens. It also suits sunny banks and cottage gardens. Its flowers bring insects to pollinator and butterfly gardens. NC State reports no major problems with this plant. RHS lists slugs, snails, caterpillars, and club root as possible troubles. Plants For A Future records no known edible or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish food safety.