Flax-leaved Candytuft Plant Care

Flax-leaved Candytuft (Iberis linifolia) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Iberis genus. Flax-leaved Candytuft is also known as Candytuft.

Flax-leaved Candytuft displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Flax-leaved Candytuft produces small clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Flax-leaved Candytuft every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Flax-leaved Candytuft thrives in full sun to part shade.

Iberis linifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Flax-leaved Candytuft prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Flax-leaved Candytuft to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Flax-leaved Candytuft every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Flax-leaved Candytuft is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Flax-leaved Candytuft can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Flax-leaved Candytuft while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Flax-leaved Candytuft is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Flax-leaved Candytuft can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bitter candytuft plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Flax-leaved Candytuft is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Flax-leaved Candytuft grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Flax-leaved Candytuft as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.