In the landscape
Border · Mass planting · Container · Walkway · Cottage · Drought tolerant · Rock
Data sources
Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima · Perennial
Sweet Alyssum is a moderate-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 4–10 in × 6–12 in. It does best in full sun and part shade with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect purple and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts butterflies, moths and pollinators, stands up well to drought and dry soil and grows happily in containers.
- USDA zones
- 5-9
- Sun
- Full sun, Part shade
- Water
- Low
- Mature size
- 4–10 in × 6–12 in
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Medium
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
- Bloom color
- Purple, White
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Songbirds
- Tough against
- Drought, Dry soil
- Native to
- Southern Europe
Will it survive your winters?
We score Sweet Alyssum’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.
Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.
More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9
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