Sweet Alyssum Plant Care
Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv.
Lobularia maritima is a species of low-growing flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. Its common name is sweet alyssum or sweet Alison, also commonly referred to as just alyssum.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
What Is the Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Lobularia genus. Sweet Alyssum is also known as Sweet Alison, Lobularia.
Sweet Alyssum displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 inches. Sweet Alyssum produces small, fragrant clusters in white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sweet Alyssum?
Lobularia maritima requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sweet Alyssum Need?
Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Sweet Alyssum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sweet Alyssum Prefer?
Lobularia maritima grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Sweet Alyssum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sweet Alyssum?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sweet Alyssum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Sweet Alyssum?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Sweet Alyssum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sweet Alyssum Need?
Sweet Alyssum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Sweet Alyssum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Sweet Alyssum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lobularia genus — compare its care with other Lobularia species on PlantoScan.
Sweet Alyssum tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Identify Plants Like the
Sweet Alyssum Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species