Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Evergreen Candytuft, Perennial Candytuft, Edging Candytuft, Iberis commutata
A fabulous little plant that you should not be overlooked. Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft) is an enchanting low, sprawling, woody-based perennial that will charm your garden in mid to late spring. Among the purest garden whites with its abundant clusters of 4-petaled white flowers, enhanced by delicate yellow dots on each petal, the blossoms stand out starkly against the foliage of narrow, dark green leaves.
- Grows in bushy mounds up to 6-12 inches tall (15-30 cm) and spreads 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Evergreen in warm winter areas, its lovely foliage may defoliate in colder winter areas.
- Prefers full sun locations and enjoys average, well-drained soils. Part shade is tolerated but will flower less. Good drainage is essential. This plant is drought tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soils but intolerant of wet and poorly-drained soils
- Evergreen Candytuft is a remarkable edging plant for borders, paths, or walkways. It is also particularly attractive in rock gardens or cascading over the edge of raised beds and can be used as a ground cover in small areas. A great addition to cottage gardens, coastal gardens, or containers.
- No serious disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and caterpillars. Deer and rabbit resistant, but pollinator friendly.
- Cut back by 1/3 after flowering to promote new growth and maintain a dense habit. Cover with evergreen boughs in cold winter areas (Hardiness zones 3 or 4) to minimize desiccation over winter.
- Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
- Native to southern Europe.
Buy Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Botanik Foto, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |