Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Sweet alyssum
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Sweet alyssum
Lobularia maritima · Alyssum
Carpets of tiny honey-scented white, pink or purple flowers that spill over pot edges.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Moderate.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
0–30°C (32–86°F)
CoolWarm
Cool.
Growth
Fast
SlowFast
10–15 cm.
Soil
Potting mix
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Monthly
RarelyOften
Light.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Safe.
About this plant
Native to the Mediterranean. Attracts beneficial insects; trim to rebloom.
Best spots
Pot edges, window boxes and baskets.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Lobularia maritima |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Mature size | 10–15 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | Tiny, scented |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Trim
FloweringTrim
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leggy | Trim. |
| Heat stall | Shade. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Aphids | Hose. |
| Seeding | Normal. |
Common questions
Fragrant?
Yes.
Pets?
Safe.
Spiller?
Yes.
Trim?
Yes.
