Overview
Iberis sempervirens is a perennial in the genus Iberis, part of the Brassicaceae family. Iberis sempervirens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover. It is native to Mediterranean.
About
Iberis sempervirens is a perennial in the cabbage family with evergreen foliage and a compact, low-growing habit. It produces its main display of flowers from April to June. Plant in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil in full sun or partial shade for best performance. It suits south-facing spots and is classed H5, so it is hardy in UK conditions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iberis sempervirens
About the genus
Iberis, commonly called candytuft, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It comprises annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs native to the Old World. Species are native to the Mediterranean basin, Western Asia, the Caucasus, and western Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Iberis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iberis
In the garden
Iberis sempervirens belongs to the Brassicaceae and originates from the Mediterranean. As a perennial with evergreen leaves it makes a lasting low mound that flowers in spring, providing an early-season display from April to June. The species name sempervirens reflects the persistent foliage rather than any seasonal colour change. Place Perennial Candytuft in full sun or partial shade on well-drained sandy or loamy soil; neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. It prefers moderate moisture and will not tolerate waterlogged ground, so planting on a raised edge, bank or freely draining border helps avoid winter wet. The H5 hardiness rating means it is hardy in normal UK winters and can be used in both sheltered and exposed sites. Use it where a low, evergreen cover is needed: rock gardens, the front of borders and as ground cover on south-facing banks. Established plants can be trained to drape over low walls or spill between paving joints. Expect the main floral display between April and June, when the flowering stems form a low draping carpet that works well with early-spring bulbs and gravel settings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iberis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate, well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Iberis sempervirens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, ground cover
- Native to
- Mediterranean
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iberis sempervirens
- Cultivation
- plant in well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, mulch in winter
- Pruning
- cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iberis sempervirens?
Plant in well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Iberis sempervirens?
Iberis sempervirens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Iberis sempervirens need?
Iberis sempervirens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Iberis sempervirens?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Iberis sempervirens hardy in the UK?
Iberis sempervirens 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 sempervirens?
Seed, cuttings.
