Easter Bonnet
sweet alyssum cultivar group (series)
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: sweet alyssum cultivar group (series)
- Height × spread: 4 to 10 in (10 to 25 cm) × 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm)
- Bloom window: early spring to frost in cool conditions
- Color & flower form: white, pink, lavender, or reddish‑purple by selection; tight clusters of tiny flowers
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable to 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit for the series
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Earlier bloom than many standard seed strains.
- Compact, uniform habit across multiple colors.
- Quick to establish for spring displays and cool coastal summers.
- Series format allows precise color matching.
Strengths
- Early, abundant color for edging around spring bulbs.
- Neat habit that stays tidy longer into the season.
- Pollinator friendly in cool weather.
- Broad color range within one series.
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
‘Easter Bonnet’ is a named series of *Lobularia maritima* selected for earliness and compact growth across several pastel colors.
References
- RHS – ‘Easter Bonnet’ Series profile
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension – Sweet Alyssum overview
- ASPCA – Alyssum non‑toxic listing
- RHS – AGM ornamentals list (includes Easter Bonnet Series)
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