Family: Brassicaceae
Common Name: Candytuft

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, this genus of about 30 annuals, perennials and subshrubs has adopted the ancient name for Spain. All of the species are low-growing and make excellent border or rockery plants. Their pretty, mostly fragrant flowers are widely used in floral arrangements.

Species

I. amara, rocket candytuft, is an erect, bushy annual, to about 30 cm (12 in), with lance-shaped, mid-green leaves and domed heads of small, pure white flowers. Preferring partial shade and regular water, it is a favourite with florists. Some strains have large, hyacinth-flowered blooms and are more popular than the species. There are several others available, too.

I. sempervirens, edging candytuft, is a low, compact, evergreen subshrub, to about 30 cm (12 in), suitable for edgings and rock gardens. The dense, rounded heads of white flowers complement the dense, dark green foliage. Flowering lasts for many weeks.

I. umbellata, common candytuft, to about 30 cm (12 in), is the common annual and comes in pink, violet, purple, red, lilac or crimson. For cut flowers, pick when well formed but not overmature, early in the day. Plunge into water immediately. This species has no fragrance and has become naturalized in many areas.

Cultivation

Iberis will grow well in any ordinary garden soil, provided it is adequately drained. They will tolerate either full sun or partial shade. Grow annuals from seed in situ, thinning the seedlings to 30 cm (12 in) apart. Flowers will bloom about two months after planting and the spent flower heads should be removed to encourage further production and to prevent plants from running to seed. Perennials are propagated by root division or from stem cuttings taken in summer after flowering. They can also be grown from seed, but flowering will take 12 months.

Climate

Zone 7.