🌸 Alyssum (Sweet Alyssum)
Lobularia maritima
flowers
annual groundcover
Brassicaceae
☀️ Sun
full sun to partial shade
💧 Water
moderate
🗺️ Zones
[4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
🧪 Soil pH
6.0-7.5
🪴 Soil Type
well-drained, average
📏 Spacing
6-8 inches
📐 Height
3-6 inches (low spreading)
⏱️ Maturity
40-50 days to flower
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Flowers are edible , mild, sweet, peppery; garnish for salads and desserts
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (7)
Hoverfly larvae control carrot rust fly; low profile doesn't compete for light
Alyssum attracts hoverflies whose larvae devour aphids on lettuce; living mulch keeps soil cool
Attracts aphid predators (hoverflies, lacewings) that keep roses clean naturally
Living mulch beneath strawberries; attracts pollinators that increase fruit set
Attracts parasitic wasps that control tomato hornworms; low groundcover retains moisture
🤝 brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale)
Hoverflies from alyssum devour cabbage aphids and diamondback moth larvae
Groundcover retains soil moisture; attracts pollinators for better fruit set
⚠️ Keep Apart (0)
No known enemies listed.
📝 Growing Notes
The #1 beneficial insectary flower. Tiny white blooms attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and lacewings , all major aphid predators. Low-growing living mulch that smothers weeds. Self-seeds reliably.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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