Sweet Alyssum (301-2)

Sweet Alyssum is a short, ground-hugging plant (20 cm) covered with tiny white flowers. Also called "carpet of snow". Despite its size, it has some powerful attributes. First is the fragrance, which is sweet but delicate, not overwhelming. Second, it's a self seeder, so you have to plant it once and it will keep coming back in the same general area. Just as important, though, is its attractiveness to beneficial insects. Alyssum is often grown among fruit and vegetable crops to provide nectar for the many tiny beneficials such as syrphid flies, which feed on aphids and mites. Sweet alyssum is especially recommended for planting near lettuce. Early spring or summer. 1 gram packet.

Species name: Alyssum maritimum L.

For more information on growing flowers, click here.