Iberis sempervirens
Common Name(s):
Candytuft
Evergreen candytuft
Synonym:
Iberis commutata
Perennial candytuft
Flower:
White
Blooms :
Mar
to:
May
Flowers cup shaped with 4 petals with each flower <1" across
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Brsssicaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Leaves oblong entire 1-1.5" long
Fall Color?
YES
Evergreen
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Exists as a low-growing mat/sub-shrub with dark green foliage
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Southern Europe
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
6-12"
Spread:
6-18"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Steppes and dry forests
Soil:
Rocky well-drained
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Use a balanced (10-10-10) or slow release fertilizer in early spring
Mulch:
2-3" layer of shredded bark or compost
Give full sun, prefers alkaline sandy or gravelly soil, shear back 1/3rd after flowering, needs little to no fertilizer, divide every 3-4 years
Long Term:
Winter:
Ensure good drainage, use evergreen boughs to protect foliage from winter winds
Spring:
Give full sun, well-drained soil, shear back 1/3 to 1/2 to maintain dense habit, encourage new growth and trigger a second bloom
Summer:
Cur back 1/3 after flowering, regular waatering, provide some shade and good air circulation
Fall:
Apply layer of mulch to protect roots, reduce watering
General Care Comments:
Give full sun, well-drained soil, moderate consistent watering, cut back 1/3 to 1/2 after flowering
Common Problems
May suffer damage from cold winters
Diseases:
Downy nildew, powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot
Insects:
Caterpillars, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale
Environmental Problems:
Extremely cold winters
Pests:
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