Alyssum: easy and reliable annual

Photo by Rose Field

Something about the annual alyssum brings to mind an old fashioned ambiance. It is lacy, delicate looking and the flowers are sweetly scented. No bold leaves pop out, no wild, neon colors scream from 50 feet away. If plants could be compared to people, alyssum might take the role of dear old Grandma Edith.

Alyssum may look shy, but in reality the little annual performs like a sturdy and reliable trooper. Growing to a height of about 4”-8”, alyssum loves small nooks and crannies in rock gardens or between pathway stones. Space alyssum about 8” apart, because it spreads as the season goes on. It serves as a nice edging plant and provides fine texture when used in containers. While the fragrance is wonderful, this petite plant should be at a convenient “sniffing distance” if you want your nose to notice it.

White, rosy-mauve and purple flowering varieties are available. Plants prefer full sun, but light shade will work, too. During especially hot periods of midsummer, alyssum may decline, but when temperatures cool off, the plants should bounce back. The purple types suffer most from hot spells.

Alyssum flowers profusely all season and small seedheads will form. If you choose not to deadhead, the seeds may be allowed to self-sow for the next year or they may be collected and saved to start indoors in early spring. That old seed starter's nemesis, damping off fungus, can attack seedlings, so be careful with watering. Once in the garden, alyssum is rather drought tolerant. It also is deer resistant, and attracts butterflies and birds.