201 · Alyssum Carpet of Snow

About this plant

Low mounds only a few inches tall smother themselves in tiny white flowers with a real honey fragrance. In Fountain Hills alyssum is a cool-season annual: lovely from February through spring, then fading in early summer heat, though it often self-sows. Bees and tiny beneficial wasps adore it, and it makes a perfect border edging or container spiller.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Where

Containers, Raised bed

Spacing

6"

Size

3–6"

Care

Sun

Full sun (6–8 h)

Water

Moderate

Feed

A light flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while blooming (general guide).

Deadhead

Cut off spent flowers to keep new blooms coming.

Good to know

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Life cycle

Perennial

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

High — hoverflies & parasitoid wasps, not just bees

Days to bloom

49-84 days from transplant

Heat (our summer)

Survives our summer WITH midday shade + regular irrigation (not heat-proof in full sun)

Cold

Tender (frost-sensitive)

Color

White

Edible

Yes. Flowers are sweet and honey-like (Kathy, Oct 30).