L obularia

A lyssum

ALYSSUM IS COMPACT and this makes it the ideal edging plant CARPET OF SNOW is used here in a bed to create living lines and
to fill in between other summer bedders. Flowers smell of honey. patterns around slightly taller plants such as these violas.

F E A T U R E S Site M ust have well-drained soil and adding rotted

organic m atter helps retain soil moisture. For
Lobularia maritima, alyssum, has masses o f tiny baskets and patio containers plant using
flowers in various colours in round heads; m ultipurpose potting compost.
white, pink, lavender and purple. All varieties
smell sweetly of honey, although you need to G R O W IN G M E T H O D
get up close. None grow more than 15cm (6in)
high, m aking alyssum ideal as an edging plant, Sowing Alyssum grown for bedding and containers is
but it is also useful for planting in pots, best raised in early spring. Sow a whole packet
troughs and hanging baskets. o f seeds in February/March in a 9cm (3 Min) pot
o f multipurpose compost, and just cover.
C O N D IT IO N S W hen seedlings are 1cm (Min) tall split up into
sm all clum ps o f 4 - 6 seedlings and transplant
Aspect Grow alyssum in a spot receiving full sun. each to individual units o f a multi-cell tray.
This is especially useful to get a good spread of
different flowers colours when growing a
L o b u l a r ia at a g lance
mixed variety. Grow on and harden off in late
A low-growing hardy annual for edging summer bedding May before planting out. Seeds can also be
schemes, with honey-scented flowers. Frost hardy to -15C (5F). sown direct into the soil in an annual border
J an / R e c o m m e n d e d V a r ie t ie s during April/M ay 1cm (Min) deep.
Feeding Extra feeding is unnecessary.
Feb sow ^ Lobularia maritima : Problems Look out for slugs which will attack newly-
M ar sow/transplant A. Aphrodite planted alyssum, especially after rain.
A pr sow/grow on Creamery
M ay sow/harden off A ; Easter Basket Mixed F L O W E R ING
JU N flowering ' Easter Bonnet
Season Flowers often appear before planting and until
J u ly flowering A; Golf Mixed
late summ er - clip them over with shears and
flowering Golf Rose
A ug water well to encourage a second flush.
Little Dorrit Cutting N ot suitable as a cut flower.
Sept flowering f2j
Rosie ODay
; Oct /
Snow Carpet A F T E R F L O W E R IN G
N ov /
Snow Crystals
D ec / 1 General Seeds will self-sow very easily, and come up
the following spring. Compost when finished.

T H E C O M P L E T E B O O K OF G A R D E N F L O W E R S 5 9 L O B U L A R IA