About
Iberis sempervirens, perennial candytuft, is a spreading, mat-forming evergreen subshrub to 30 cm tall with narrow, dark-green leaves. From late spring, pure-white flowerheads to 4 cm across are produced in profusion across the plant. One of the most reliable and widely grown of all rock garden and edging plants for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Iberis, the candytufts, are annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs with narrow leaves and flat or domed heads of small, four-petalled, white, pink or purple flowers. Popular and easy-care plants for sunny, well-drained rock gardens and borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in poor soils. Looks good in rock gardens or in walls. Can be invasive
PruningTrim lightly after flowering to maintain compactness
PropagationPropagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and caterpillars
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free