Candytuft
Iberis sempervirens
Candytuft, often times called Iberis is a spring-blooming perennial favorite. It is usually seen cascading over rocks and walls or used as a groundcover. The picture to the left is Candytuft used as a groundcover in the front of a garden bed.
Its evergreen foliage forms a compact mat or bush, which is smothered with white lace-like flowers that are up to 2 inches in clusters. Iberis flowers for many weeks in the early spring. Depending on your zone, it blooms from April to June. Candytuft is slightly drought tolerant.
Candytuft will bloom sporadically throughout summer, especially if you prune it slightly after the first flush of blooms fade. You can even mow it. Iberis is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Also, the flowers are fragrant.
Candytuft prefers full sun, but will do well in partial shade if the soil is well drained. When planting, I recommend about 12"-15" apart and they will fill in nicely within a year for a good-looking groundcover.
|