Great Design Plant: Sweet Alyssum for Winter Bloom and Fragrance

Every autumn I hunt for sweet alyssum transplants—this tiny charmer is a powerhouse in the winter annual garden, offering nonstop flowering and delicate honey scent.

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Lobularia maritima
• Common name: Sweet alyssum
• USDA zones: All zones
• Water: Average, don't overwater
• Light: Full to part sun
• Mature size: 8–12 inches tall
• Benefits: Attracts butterflies, birds, bees
• Seasonal interest: Nonstop winter bloom in warm climates; spring/summer in cool climates
• When to plant: Fall/winter in warm climates; spring in cool climates

Distinguishing Traits

Clusters of tiny flowers in white, purple, rose, and pink with a delicate honey scent. Blooms nonstop without deadheading.

How to Use It

Mounding, trailing habit suits low borders, annual beds, containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens. Combines beautifully with violas, pansies, snapdragons, cyclamen, stock, ornamental cabbages, and kale.

Planting Notes

Plant in sunny, well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then avoid overwatering. No fertilizer needed for blooming, but tolerates it. Fairly drought-tolerant; looks fuller with average water.