Sweet alyssum care guide
Lobularia maritima
Also known as: Alyssum, Sweet alison
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Sweet alyssum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Water once the topsoil has dried, as a guide, since it dislikes sogginess; from the rainy season into midsummer keep it on the dry side and out of the rain.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- Fall-planted seedlings grow strongly; about every three to five days once the surface dries is the guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Soil dries slowly in winter, so as a guide water in the morning two or three days after it dries.
Light and placement for Sweet alyssum
A sunny, airy spot is the guide, as low light means fewer flowers and stretching; it dislikes heat and humidity, so in summer give it cool partial shade out of the rain.
Overwintering Sweet alyssum
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
Fairly cold-tolerant: it generally overwinters outdoors in a spot out of heavy frost, such as under the eaves, and keeps flowering a little; a fleece cover on hard freezes is usually enough.
Fertilizing and repotting Sweet alyssum
Fertilizer
Feed lightly: slow-release fertilizer at planting and liquid feed about monthly while in bloom; too much makes the stems stretch and reduces flowers.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Sweet alyssum
- Muggy weather from the rainy season into midsummer makes the plant die back.
- Overwatering rots the roots and the whole plant yellows.
- Left uncut, the stems sprawl and the center dies out.
Tips for growing Sweet alyssum
- Cutting back by about half after a flush restores a compact, flowering mound.
- Planted in fall it grows large by spring and edges mixed containers well.
- To carry it through summer, cut it back in early summer and keep it in cool shade out of rain.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
