Lobularia maritima - (L.)Desv.

(L.)Desv.

Sweet Alyssum

Brassicaceae

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wetlandwanderer

gbif· cc-by-nc

wetlandwanderer

gbif· cc-by-nc

Anatole Maugendre

Description

Lobularia maritima is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

Condiment. The young leaves, stems and flowers are sometimes used as a flavouring in salads and other dishes where pungency is required.

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Astringent Diuretic. The plant is commonly used in Spain as an antiscorbutic and diuretic. It is also highly esteemed there as an astringent in the treatment of gonorrhoea.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Egypt (Sinai), Turkey (Islands) EUROPE: Albania, Greece (Kríti), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France (s. & Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Algeria (north), Egypt, Libya (north), Morocco, Tunisia

Cultivation

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in sandy soils. Grows well on dry walls. Tolerates maritime conditions. Although a short-lived perennial, it soon loses its compact habit if grown for more than one year and so is usually grown as an annual plant in gardens. A very ornamental plant, there are several named forms developed for their ornamental value. This species usually self-sows in the garden if growing in a good position. A fast-growing plant, it makes a good edging to a plant bed. The forms of this species with white flowers have the refreshing scent of new-mown hay - flowers of other colours having little or no scent. A good bee and butterfly plant.

Propagation

Seed - it can be sown in situ during mid to late spring and should germinate within 2 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted. In order to obtain an earlier display of the flowers, the seed can be sown in a greenhouse in late winter. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots and are then planted out in late spring.