Alyssum Enrico Blasutto at Italian Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden

Alyssum

Alyssum alpestre

Overview

A low-growing annual that forms a fragrant carpet of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers beloved by beneficial insects. Sweet alyssum is one of the most effective companion plants in the garden, attracting hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids. Its honey-like scent and continuous blooming make it a powerhouse of biodiversity support.

Growing Conditions

Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height0.2m
Spread0.2m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

TomatoBroccoliGrapeRosePotato
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Direct Sow May — Jun Direct sow after last frost; scatter seeds on surface; honey-scented
Cold (1-2) Bloom Jun — Sep Continuous bloom; shear back midseason if it gets ratty; resumes quickly
Cool (3-4) Direct Sow Apr — May Direct sow in spring; self-sows freely; excellent pollinator plant
Cool (3-4) Bloom May — Oct Long bloom; excellent border edging and container spiller
Moderate (5-7) Direct Sow Mar — Apr Sow in early spring; or fall in mild climates
Moderate (5-7) Direct Sow Sep — Oct Fall sow for winter/spring bloom
Moderate (5-7) Bloom Mar — Jun Spring bloom; may reseed for fall show
Moderate (5-7) Bloom Sep — Nov Fall bloom from reseeds or fall sowing
Warm (8-9) Direct Sow Sep — Oct Fall sow; blooms all winter; honey fragrance
Warm (8-9) Bloom Oct — May (wraps) Fall through spring bloom; heat causes summer dormancy
Hot (10+) Direct Sow Oct — Nov Fall sow; cool-season annual; attracts beneficial hoverflies
Hot (10+) Bloom Nov — Mar (wraps) Winter bloom; dies in summer heat

Uses

Other Uses

  • Premier beneficial insect attractor
  • Living mulch and ground cover between rows
  • Erosion control on slopes and edges