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Snow Crystals
sweet alyssum seed cultivar
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)
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
