Lobularia maritima aka Sweet Alyssum

Taxonomy

Lobularia maritima, also known as Alyssum maritimum, is a low-growing flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Its common name is sweet alyssum or sweet alison, and it emits a lovely fragrance that makes it easy to identify. This plant ranges in color from beautiful shades of white to purple and is a popular choice for gardens due to its fast-growing nature, which forms a "carpet" of flowers. Originally from Europe, the sweet alyssum has spread across the world and can bloom year-round if grown in a mild climate. However, it's important to note that this plant can become aggressive and overwhelm a garden if not properly cared for. Sweet alyssum is also a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and requires regular watering and direct light to thrive.

Common names

Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Sweet Alice

How to care for Sweet Alyssum

Difficulty

Sweet Alyssum requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Sweet Alyssum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Alyssum 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

Sweet Alyssum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sweet Alyssum will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Sweet Alyssum should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Sweet Alyssum’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia