Iberis sempervirens
Candytuft
Brassicaceae
ExpandHabitat
- native to southern parts of Europe and parts of Asia
- zone 4
Habit and Form
- low growing groundcover
- evergreen
- 0.5" to 1" tall
- spreading habit
- slow growth rate
- fine texture
Summer Foliage
- simple, evergreen leaves
- alternate leaf arrangement
- linear leaf shape
- 1" to 2" long
- entire leaf margin
- dark green leaf color
Autumn Foliage
- none
Flowers
- white flowers
- flowers borne in terminal racemes
- blooms in late April
- flowers are long lasting
Fruit
-
not ornamentally important
Bark
- thin
- covered by foliage
- green
Culture
- easy to transplant
- full sun to partial shade
- pH adaptable
- prune after flowering
Landscape Use
- for flowering effect
- for early color
- for evergreen groundcover
Liabilities
- powdery mildew
- plant can become leggy open
ID Features
- green stems and leaves all year
- pure white flowers in April
- low growing
- linear leaves
Propagation
- by seed
- by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties
'Christmas Snow' (also listed as 'Snowflake') - A notable selection, as the plant reportedly flowers twice during the season -- both in spring and fall. The plant grows 1' tall and bears lustrous green leaves.
'Little Gem' and 'Purity' - These two forms are more dwarf than the species, usually failing to exceed 6"-8" tall. The leaves are smaller, as well, but the plants produce abundant flower clusters.