Iberis sempervirens

Iberis sempervirens

 

Common name: evergreen candytuft

Family: Brassicaceae

Leaf: very narrow, almost needle-like, linear leaves (up to 1.5" long and 1/4" wide), are glossy dark green and leathery

Flowers: Small, pure white, 4-petaled flowers in dense flattened corymbs, appearing in a profuse, early-late spring bloom. Sometimes the flowers age to light pink.

Habit: low-growing, spreading, woody-based, herbaceous perennial

Form: mounding

Height: 0.5-0.75'; Spread: 0.5-1.5'

Culture: Best grown in average, well-drained soils in full sun. It will be less flowering if grown in part shade. Well-drained soil is the key to growing this plant well. Cut or sheer plants stems back by 1/3 after flowering to encourage new growth and to maintain compact habit. In cold winter climates, mulch plants in winter to help minimize potential damage from sun scorch and desiccation. Stems may root where they touch the ground creating new plants which can be left as is or transplanted to other areas. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Uses: edging plant for borders, plants or walkways. Rock gardens or sprawling over a wall. Groundcover for sunny areas.

Origin: Southern Europe