Species alpine candytuft

alpine candytuft

Iberis saxatilis

Alpine candytuft (Iberis saxatilis) is an evergreen perennial with grass-like leaves and delicate white, pink or purple blossoms. Resembling miniature mountains of snow, the fragrant blooms blanket the small shrub-like plant all spring and summer long. Growing up to 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and wide, Alpine candytuft is ideal as a low-maintenance border plant in rock gardens and alpine yards. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained, calcareous soil. To encourage blooming and keep the plant looking its best, shearing off the spent flower heads is recommended.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White tinged purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your alpine candytuft (Iberis saxatilis) deeply 1 to 2 times a week. Water thoroughly each time, from the bottom to the top of the soil, until it comes out the drainage hole. The soil should never become overly soggy or dry out completely between waterings. When the air temperature is warm and the plant is actively growing, you’ll likely need to water more frequently than when the plant is dormant and the temperature is cooler.

sunlight

Alpine candytuft (Iberis saxatilis) grows best in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates light shade, but will produce fewer flowers in less than full sun. Alpine candytuft plants need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. In hot, dry climates, plants may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching.

pruning

Alpine candytuft (Iberis saxatilis) is a low-maintenance plant that is best pruned in late spring or early summer when it is actively growing. Pruning during this time of year will encourage new bushy growth and create a fuller, thicker plant. The goal when pruning Alpine candytuft is to remove only a portion of the flowering stems, leaving at least half intact. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems first with sharp garden shears. Next, remove any stems that are leggy or straggling to maintain the plant's neat shape. Finally, lightly trim the remaining stems in order to limit the flower production, while still allowing the plant to keep its shape and vigor.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Alpine candytuft typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map