Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
- Native to:
- Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Egypt, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tunisia
Christian Ferrer
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Genus:
- Lobularia
- Species:
- Lobularia maritima
- USDA Symbol:
- LOMA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, purple, lavender
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), Flame Carpet (Xanthorhoe designata), Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Lon melane, Small White (Pieris rapae), Woodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas; tolerates saline conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Germinates readily at 55-70°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI