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Evergreen Candytuft

Iberis sempervirens

Iberis sempervirens Iberis sempervirens
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Brassicales
Family:
Brassicaceae (Cabbage)
Also in this family:
Alpine Pennycress, Alpine Rock-cress, American Wintercress, Annual Wall Rocket, Austrian Yellowcress, Awlwort, Bastard Cabbage, Black Mustard, Bristol Rock-cress, Charlock, Common Scurvygrass, Common Whitlowgrass, Coralroot, Creeping Yellowcress, Cuckooflower, Dame's-violet, Danish Scurvygrass, Dittander, Early Wintercress, Eastern Rocket, English Scurvygrass, False London Rocket, Field Pennycress, Field Pepperwort, Flixweed, Garden Arabis, Garden Candytuft, Garden Cress, Garden Radish, Garden Rocket, Garlic Mustard, Glabrous Whitlowgrass, Gold of Pleasure, Great Yellowcress, Greater Cuckooflower, Greater Periwinkle, Greater Swinecress, Hairy Bittercress, Hairy Rock-cress, Hairy Rocket, Hairy Whitlowgrass, Hedge Mustard, Hoary Cress, Hoary Mustard, Hoary Stock, Hoary Whitlowgrass, Honesty, Horseradish, Hutchinsia, Hybrid Watercress, Intermediate Periwinkle, Isle of Man Cabbage, Large Bittercress, Lesser Swinecress, London Rocket, Lundy Cabbage, Marsh Yellowcress, Mountain Scurvygrass, Narrow-fruited Watercress, Narrow-leaved Bittercress, Narrow-leaved Pepperwort, Northern Rock-cress, Northern Yellowcress, Oilseed Rape, Perennial Rocket, Perennial Wall Rocket, Perfoliate Pennycress, Pinnate Coralroot, Purple Rock-cress, Pyrenean Scurvygrass, Rock Whitlowgrass, Russian Rocket, Scottish Scurvygrass, Sea Kale, Sea Radish, Sea Rocket, Sea Stock, Shepherd's Cress, Shepherd's Purse, Small-flowered Wintercress, Smith's Pepperwort, Steppe Cabbage, Swede, Sweet Alyssum, Tall Rocket, Thale Cress, Tower Mustard, Treacle Mustard, Trefoil Cress, Turnip, Wall Whitlowgrass, Wallflower, Wallflower Cabbage, Warty Cabbage, Watercress, Wavy Bittercress, White Mustard, Wild Cabbage, Wild Candytuft, Wild Radish, Wild Turnip, Wintercress, Woad, Yellow Whitlowgrass
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, parks, roadsides, rocky places, scrub, seaside, walls, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 4 petals
 
Evergreen Candytuft is a charming perennial flower prized for its delicate clusters of pure white blooms that appear in early to mid-spring. Native to southern Europe, this evergreen plant features glossy, dark green foliage that retains its color throughout the year, adding year-round interest to gardens. Its profuse, fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a delightful addition to pollinator gardens. Evergreen Candytuft is versatile, thriving in various soil types and tolerating both sun and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or ground cover. With proper care, this resilient plant can provide a stunning display of blooms year after year, adding beauty and charm to any landscape.
Fruit:
Evergreen Candytuft is not typically grown for its fruit, as it is primarily cultivated for its attractive foliage and abundant clusters of white flowers. However, if the flowers are allowed to go to seed, small capsules containing the seeds develop. These capsules are inconspicuous and not typically considered a notable feature of the plant. Evergreen Candytuft is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities rather than its fruit, and its seeds are not typically harvested or utilized in any significant way.
Leaves:
Evergreen Candytuft boasts glossy, dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and slightly serrated along the edges. These evergreen leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the plant's clusters of white flowers, offering year-round interest in the garden. The leaves are arranged in a dense, compact manner, forming a low-growing mound that is ideal for ground cover or edging. Their glossy texture adds to the plant's aesthetic appeal, while their evergreen nature ensures that the foliage remains attractive even during the winter months. Additionally, the leaves emit a subtle fragrance when crushed, adding to the sensory experience of this delightful plant. Overall, the lush foliage of Evergreen Candytuft contributes to its ornamental value and makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Aroma:
Evergreen Candytuft is known for its subtle yet pleasant fragrance, particularly when its leaves or flowers are crushed. The fragrance is described as delicate and slightly sweet, adding to the overall sensory experience of the plant. While not as strong or overpowering as some other fragrant flowers, such as roses or lavender, the scent of Evergreen Candytuft can still be appreciated, especially in close proximity to the plant. This gentle fragrance adds to the allure of the plant and enhances its appeal in gardens and landscapes.
Other Names:
Edging Candytuft, Perennial Candytuft, Rock Candytuft.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Garden Candytuft

Wild Candytuft
Wild Candytuft

Other Information

Summary

Iberis sempervirens, also known as rock candytuft or evergreen candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the cabbage family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to other parts of the world as a cultivated ornamental plant. The plant is known for its small, white or pink flowers and hairy leaves. It grows well in well-drained soil and is often found in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. Iberis sempervirens is a low-growing plant that forms a mat-like shape and can spread to form large clumps. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant and is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Blog

Evergreen Candytuft, Iberis sempervirens, is a beautiful, low-growing ground cover that is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is widely grown in gardens and landscaped areas for its attractive foliage and charming white or pink blooms.

The plant grows to a height of about 6-12 inches and has a spreading habit, making it ideal for use in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover for larger areas. The glossy green leaves of the Candytuft are small and evergreen, providing year-round interest in the garden. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that range in color from white to pink.

Candytuft is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness, making it ideal for low-water gardens. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where these animals are a problem.

One of the best things about Evergreen Candytuft is how easy it is to grow and care for. It is a tough and adaptable plant that requires little maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those who are new to gardening. Simply plant it in well-drained soil, water it regularly until it is established, and then let it grow and spread on its own.

Evergreen Candytuft is a versatile and attractive plant that is easy to grow and care for. It adds year-round interest to gardens and landscaped areas and is an excellent choice for low-water gardens, rock gardens, and borders. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you'll love the beauty and ease of growing Candytuft in your garden.

Aside from its ornamental value, Candytuft also has several practical uses. For example, it can be used as a filler plant in container gardens, or as a colorful border in herb gardens or vegetable gardens. The plant also attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollinating other plants in the garden.

Another benefit of Evergreen Candytuft is its versatility. The plant can be used in a variety of garden styles, including formal, informal, and cottage gardens. It can be combined with other low-growing plants, such as thyme, sedum, and small evergreens, to create a textured and colorful garden bed. Additionally, it is easy to propagate and can be divided in spring or fall to create new plants.

In terms of care, Candytuft is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little attention. However, it is important to prune it regularly to promote healthy growth and encourage reblooming. Pruning also helps to keep the plant compact and prevent it from spreading too much. In addition, it is important to provide adequate water and fertilizer, especially during the growing season.

Evergreen Candytuft is a charming and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for gardeners of all levels. With its attractive foliage and blooms, versatility, and ease of care, it is no wonder that Candytuft is a popular choice for gardens and landscaped areas.

In addition to its ornamental value, Evergreen Candytuft also has medicinal properties. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive problems. The leaves and stems of the plant contain compounds that are thought to have anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, making it useful in treating respiratory issues.

Candytuft is also an attractive option for those looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a vital food source for these important insects. In addition, the plant's evergreen foliage provides a sheltered habitat for small mammals and birds, making it an ideal choice for a garden that supports wildlife.

When it comes to planting and care, Candytuft is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be planted in the spring or fall and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance ground cover.

In conclusion, Evergreen Candytuft is a versatile and attractive plant that offers many benefits for gardeners and wildlife alike. With its charming blooms, evergreen foliage, and ease of care, it is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a low-growing ground cover to their landscape.

30 Facts About Evergreen CandyTuft

Here are 30 facts about Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens):

  1. Evergreen Candytuft, scientifically known as Iberis sempervirens, is a perennial flowering plant.
  2. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.
  3. The species name "sempervirens" means "evergreen," referring to its persistent foliage.
  4. Evergreen Candytuft is native to southern Europe, particularly regions around the Mediterranean.
  5. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
  6. The plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and spreads up to 18 inches (45 cm).
  7. Evergreen Candytuft produces dense clusters of small, white flowers in early to mid-spring.
  8. The flowers have a delicate fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
  9. Its glossy, dark green leaves are lance-shaped and remain attractive year-round.
  10. Evergreen Candytuft is drought tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil.
  11. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for rock gardens, borders, or ground cover.
  12. The plant is relatively low maintenance and requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
  13. Propagation is commonly done through seeds or division of mature plants.
  14. Evergreen Candytuft is resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to its bitter taste.
  15. It is not known to have any significant pest or disease issues.
  16. In regions with mild winters, Evergreen Candytuft may bloom sporadically throughout the year.
  17. The plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
  18. Evergreen Candytuft is versatile and can be used in various landscape designs, including cottage gardens and formal gardens.
  19. It can be planted as a ground cover to suppress weeds and provide erosion control.
  20. The plant's foliage emits a subtle fragrance when crushed.
  21. Evergreen Candytuft is often used in mixed borders or planted alongside other spring-blooming perennials.
  22. The plant's compact growth habit makes it suitable for container gardening.
  23. It can be grown from seeds sown directly in the garden or started indoors for transplanting.
  24. Evergreen Candytuft is relatively long-lived and can persist for several years in the garden.
  25. The plant is drought tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
  26. It is important to avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
  27. Evergreen Candytuft may benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth.
  28. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming and maintain the plant's appearance.
  29. The plant's evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in the garden, even when not in bloom.
  30. Evergreen Candytuft is celebrated for its simple yet elegant beauty, making it a popular choice among gardeners for adding charm and visual appeal to outdoor spaces.

Video

Evergreen Candytuft filmed at the following locations:
  • Skelwith Bridge, Cumbria: 13th May 2023
  • Feizor, Yorkshire Dales: 2nd June 2023
  • Horwich, Lancashire: 20th April 2024
 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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