in bloom
now
through Oct
Bloom calendar
Carpet of Snow
sweet alyssum seed cultivar
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: sweet alyssum seed cultivar
- Height × spread: 3 to 6 in (8 to 15 cm) × 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm)
- Bloom window: spring to frost in cool conditions
- Color & flower form: white; tight clusters of tiny four‑petaled flowers
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Lower and more uniform than many mixed sweet alyssum strains.
- Pure white carpeting effect compared with colored strains.
- Reliable cool‑season performance; flowering slows in sustained heat.
- Tight, edging‑friendly habit that stays tidy in small spaces.
Strengths
- Long bloom in cool weather.
- Strong honey fragrance noted by major gardens.
- Attracts pollinators at ground level.
- Easy from seed and quick to flower.
Care in one minute
Choose full sun in cool‑summer areas or light afternoon shade in hot regions.
Plant in well‑drained soil that is average in fertility and neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 8.0).
Water regularly during establishment and in prolonged dry spells; allow the surface to dry between waterings.
Feed lightly at planting; too much nitrogen reduces bloom.
Shear or deadhead after the first flush to prompt rebloom and keep plants compact.
Treat as annual in most of North America; remove before winter or allow limited self‑seeding.
Watch‑outs
- Flowering can stall in high heat; cut back and water to encourage rebloom.
- Seedlings are susceptible to damping‑off in overly wet media.
- Can self‑sow; remove spent plants if reseeding is not desired.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
This is an established seed strain of *Lobularia maritima* selected for compact habit and solid white bloom.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Lobularia maritima profile
- RHS – Lobularia maritima ‘Carpet of Snow’
- ASPCA – Alyssum non‑toxic listing
