ALYSSUM, CARPET OF SNOW-1/2 OZ EACH

Transform your garden into a sea of delicate white blooms with Alyssum's ‘Carpet of Snow’, a delightful annual flower that offers both beauty and functionality. Known for its honey-like fragrance and profusion of tiny, crisp white blossoms, this charming plant is a versatile addition to any garden or landscape. 

Whether used as a ground cover, border edging, or container filler, Alyssum ‘Carpet of Snow’ is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance option that’s perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.

Key Features

Alyssum ‘Carpet of Snow’ is a charming addition to any garden, offering a blanket of petite white blooms with a delightful honey-like fragrance. This versatile plant serves as an elegant ground cover, filling spaces with its lush, spreading habit. Its pollinator-friendly nature and adaptability to various garden designs make it a favorite for improving both visual and ecological appeal.

Abundance of White Blooms

• Alyssum produces a mass of petite, white flowers that create a carpet-like appearance.
• The blossoms are less than 1 inch in size but grow in clusters, giving the plant a full, lush look.

Fragrant and Pollinator-Friendly

• Emits a sweet, honey-like fragrance that enhances the sensory appeal of your garden.
• Attracts butterflies and other pollinators, supporting a healthy ecosystem.

Ground Cover Habit

• Grows in a ground-hugging, spreading pattern, making it ideal for covering bare soil or filling gaps between other plants.
• Provides a soft, elegant backdrop for taller flowers or garden features.

Versatility in Garden Design

• Perfect for ground cover, border edging, rock gardens, and containers.
• Works well in both formal and informal garden settings, adding texture and brightness.

Specifications

• Bloom Color: Crisp white.
• Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3–14, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Height: Reaches a maximum height of 4–5 inches.
• Spread: Grows 5–10 inches wide, creating a dense, low mat of foliage and flowers.
• Light Requirement: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Needs: Prefers loamy or sandy soil with good drainage.
• Blooming Season: Enjoy continuous blooms throughout the summer months.
• Maintenance Level: Low, making it ideal for busy gardeners or low-effort landscaping.
• Germination Time: Seeds germinate in 8–10 days under ideal conditions.

Why Choose Alyssum's ‘Carpet of Snow’

There are certain benefits of choosing Alyssum’s ‘Carpet of Snow’. Some of them are:

Easy to Grow

Alyssum is one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, requiring minimal effort and attention:

• Resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring worry-free cultivation.
• Performs well even in challenging conditions, such as sandy or rocky soil.

Enhances Garden Aesthetics

The compact, mounding growth habit and pure white flowers create a clean, polished look. Alyssum pairs beautifully with brightly colored flowers or greenery, offering contrast and balance.

Functional Benefits

• Acts as a natural ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
• Improves garden biodiversity by attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Adaptability

Its versatility makes Alyssum suitable for a variety of planting situations, from filling spaces in flower beds to cascading over the edges of containers.

How to Grow Alyssum ‘Carpet of Snow’

Seed Sowing

• Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, as Alyssum does not transplant well due to its delicate roots.
• Indoor Starting: Alternatively, start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms.
• Sowing Depth: Scatter seeds lightly on the soil surface, pressing gently to ensure good contact. Do not bury seeds, as they require light to germinate.

Germination

• Seeds will germinate within 8–10 days when temperatures are between 65–75°F.
• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination but avoid overwatering.

Spacing and Planting

• Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and healthy growth.
• For a fuller look, plant closer together, spacing about 2–3 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Alyssum prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot.
• Fertilizing: Lightly fertilize with a balanced flower fertilizer during the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to promote new growth and extend the flowering season.

Companion Planting

Alyssum pairs well with taller plants like roses, zinnias, or marigolds, as well as other ground covers and trailing plants. Its neutral white flowers make it an excellent complement to any color scheme.

Ideal Applications for Alyssum ‘Carpet of Snow’

Ground Cover

• Create a soft, white carpet effect in flower beds or along pathways.
• Use in rock gardens for a naturalized, cascading look.

Border Edging

• Line walkways, garden beds, or driveways with a tidy, fragrant edge of blooms.

Container Gardening

• Perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or patio pots, where its trailing habit can add a touch of elegance.

Pollinator Gardens

• Attract butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects to support the health of your garden ecosystem.

Tips for Success

• Provide Full Sun: While Alyssum tolerates partial shade, full sun ensures the best bloom density and fragrance.
• Use Well-Draining Soil: Avoid overly wet conditions to prevent root issues.
• Encourage Reblooming: Regular deadheading keeps flowers coming throughout the season.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Proper spacing improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues.