Overview
Iberis saxatilis is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Iberis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Iberis saxatilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, gravel garden and garden edging.
About
Iberis saxatilis, the rock candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to southern Europe and northwest Africa. The species is typically used as an ornamental rock and alpine garden perennial plant because of its decorative flowers and cascading growth habit. Iberis is so named because many members of the genus come from the Iberian Peninsula in south west Europe. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, gravel garden and garden edging. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iberis saxatilis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iberis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Iberis saxatilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iberis saxatilis
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iberis saxatilis?
Iberis saxatilis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Iberis saxatilis need?
Iberis saxatilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Iberis saxatilis hardy in the UK?
Iberis saxatilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Iberis saxatilis?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Iberis genus
- Iberis aurosica
- Iberis aurosica 'Sweetheart'
- Iberis sempervirens 'Nevina'
- Iberis sempervirens 'Plena' (d)
- Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake'Evergreen Candytuft
- Iberis amara coronariarocket candytuft