Alyssum Flowers

What is an alyssum flower?

An alyssum or Lobularia maritima is a flower that grows and blooms for one growing season. They are indigenous to the Mediterranean region and are known as hardy annuals. Hardy annuals are capable of surviving light frosts or slight drops of temperatures.

Growing requirements :

Growing alyssum are considered low maintenance due to the speed of growth. The flowers require full sunlight and loamy, well-drained soil. Occasional cutting of the parts of the plant that reach out too far, about 1/2 of the growth (according to prefrerence), will promote further flowering.

Characteristics :

- Failry small flowers
- Four(4) petals with squarish shape
- Arranged in rounded clusters
- Fragrant
- 4-6 inches tall, 6-9 inches of spreading
- Narrow leaves
- Colors may include: white, purple, rose, pink, and violet

Flower bed uses :

Alyssum flowers are most used to compliment an arangement of other plants. They may be place in front of taller plants and allow for a border appearance. The flowers also aid as filler plants to prevent gaps in the flower bed. Alyssums are known to attract pollinators such as butterflies and ladybugs.

Sweet Alyssum Facts :

- The name is based off the fragrance of the flower
- Used in aid of folk medicine to cure rabies
- Less likely to die during a rainstrom, as compared to petunias
- Used to decorate cemetary monuments during Memorial Day
- The white alyssum flowers are nicknamed the "Carpet of Snow"