Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Evergreen Candytuft, Perennial Candytuft, Edging Candytuft
A fabulous little plant that you should not be overlooked! Among the purest of garden whites with its abundant clusters of 4-petaled white flowers, enhanced by delicate yellow dots on each petal and standing out starkly against the dark green, leathery, evergreen foliage, Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is an enchanting low, sprawling, woody-based perennial that will charm your garden for weeks in spring and early summer.
- 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 ground cover in small areas.
- 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!
- Drought, deer and rabbit tolerant!
- 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 dessication over winter.
- Main Iberis sempervirens cultivars include 'Alexander's White' or 'Purity', two varieties with sparkling, pure white flowers; 'Autumn Beauty' or 'October Glory' are two varieties which rebloom in fall; 'Snowflake' with small, snow-white flowers in late spring and early summer - Award of Garden Merit of RHS.
Buy Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 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) Summer (Early) |
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, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | 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, 2, 3, 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) Summer (Early) |
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, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |