Dwarf Alyssum, Royal Carpet
Lobularia maritima
Price: $3.40
SKU: 10009621Dwarf Sweet Alyssum 'Royal Carpet' is an heirloom annual that won an All-America Selections award in 1953. It grows just 2 to 4 inches tall and produces masses of small purple flowers with a sweet, honey-like scent. The plants spread into a low, dense mat of color, which makes them a good fit for the front of flower beds, the edges of walkways, patio containers, and window boxes.
This variety is the taller, more colorful relative of Alyssum 'Carpet of Snow'. Alyssum is a cool-season plant that blooms fast from seed and grows easily, which puts it among the simpler annuals to start. Flowers usually run from early spring through the first fall frosts, and the plant is frost resistant down to about 25°F.
The blooms draw bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, so the plant works well near vegetable and herb gardens, where those insects help with natural pest control. Royal Carpet does best in full sun but will take some afternoon shade, which helps in hot areas. One thing worth knowing: Sweet Alyssum self-seeds freely in mild climates and is treated as a potential invasive in parts of California. Check with your local cooperative extension office for any regional rules before planting.
This variety is the taller, more colorful relative of Alyssum 'Carpet of Snow'. Alyssum is a cool-season plant that blooms fast from seed and grows easily, which puts it among the simpler annuals to start. Flowers usually run from early spring through the first fall frosts, and the plant is frost resistant down to about 25°F.
The blooms draw bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, so the plant works well near vegetable and herb gardens, where those insects help with natural pest control. Royal Carpet does best in full sun but will take some afternoon shade, which helps in hot areas. One thing worth knowing: Sweet Alyssum self-seeds freely in mild climates and is treated as a potential invasive in parts of California. Check with your local cooperative extension office for any regional rules before planting.
Bloom Color: Purple
Growth Habit: Dwarf
Growth Habit: Spreading
Lifespan: Annual
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Bees
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Butterflies
Wildlife Interactions: Deer-Resistant
Wildlife Interactions: Rabbit-Resistant
Genetic Classification: Open Pollinated
Growth Habit: Dwarf
Growth Habit: Spreading
Lifespan: Annual
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Bees
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Butterflies
Wildlife Interactions: Deer-Resistant
Wildlife Interactions: Rabbit-Resistant
Genetic Classification: Open Pollinated
Alyssum seeds need light to sprout, so do not bury them. Scatter the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix and press them in no deeper than 1/8 inch. Water with a plant mister so you do not wash them away or move them around.
To start indoors, sow about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use a tray with a humidity dome and set it in a bright, warm, south-facing window. Grow lights or a seedling heat mat help if it is cold or cloudy. Keep the temperature between 55°F and 70°F. Once seedlings appear, take the cover off and thin them out. Harden the seedlings off, then move them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
To sow directly outdoors, wait until all danger of frost is gone. Space plants 4 to 8 inches apart, since they spread to fill in. Alyssum tolerates most soils as long as they drain well, and it does best with steady moisture. Plant in full sun to partial shade.
To start indoors, sow about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use a tray with a humidity dome and set it in a bright, warm, south-facing window. Grow lights or a seedling heat mat help if it is cold or cloudy. Keep the temperature between 55°F and 70°F. Once seedlings appear, take the cover off and thin them out. Harden the seedlings off, then move them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
To sow directly outdoors, wait until all danger of frost is gone. Space plants 4 to 8 inches apart, since they spread to fill in. Alyssum tolerates most soils as long as they drain well, and it does best with steady moisture. Plant in full sun to partial shade.
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