Lobularia maritima 'Snow Crystals'
‘Snow Crystals’ is a vigorous white sweet alyssum noted for extra‑large blooms and staying power. Plants form mounds that are taller than standard alyssum and cover quickly. Blooms carry a strong honey fragrance and attract many small pollinators. Flowering is long in cool weather and rebounds after a trim if heat slows the display. This selection is widely used in containers and at the front of borders for a bold white carpet.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: sweet alyssum seed cultivar
- Height × spread: 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm) × 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to frost in cool conditions
- Color & flower form: white; larger clusters of tiny four‑petaled flowers
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Larger flowers than typical sweet alyssum strains.
- Better heat and wind tolerance than many traditional selections.
- Mounding habit that can reach medium edging height.
- Long season with quick recovery after shearing.
Strengths
- Recognized as a Plant of Merit for dependable performance.
- Strong fragrance and abundant bloom.
- Useful where a more substantial alyssum mound is desired.
- Works in mixed containers and massed borders.
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)
containers; borders; edging; pollinators; rock gardens
Provenance note
‘Snow Crystals’ has been cited for greater heat and wind tolerance and received the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit designation in 2000.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – ‘Snow Crystals’ Plant Finder
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plants of Merit (2000 list)
- ASPCA – Alyssum non‑toxic listing
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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