Will alyssum spread?
Sweet Alyssum also does very well in beds, raised or ground beds. It will spread nicely and you want to plant it on the edge to be a strong contrast to the rest of the plants. Its compact growth habit and dense foliage act as a natural ground cover, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. Furthermore, sweet alyssum is known to attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and predatory wasps, which help control garden pests.It pairs well with other spring flowers like pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons, etc. Sweet alyssum can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Allow it to cascade over the sides of a container. It can also be grown to line a path or in between stepping stones.Lobularia maritima (syn. Alyssum maritimum) is a species of low-growing flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. Its common name is sweet alyssum or sweet Alison, also commonly referred to as just alyssum (from the genus Alyssum in which it was formerly classified).
Should Alyssum be cut back?
How To Prune Alyssum. Alyssum plants do not require deadheading but can benefit from cutting them back to about half after the first flowering. Current Facts Alyssum is drought tolerant and self-seeding, making it a highly favored garden plant. The plant is often arranged in gardens as a companion crop, and the sweet blooms and dense foliage attract a host of pests and beneficial insects.Sweet alyssum grows best in cooler temperatures, so it will bloom in the spring, fade in the summer, and re-bloom again in the fall. It is typically grown as an annual, but will survive as a perennial in warmer climates.They may not look like much as seedlings, but sweet alyssum plants can really spread. They take about nine to 10 weeks to flower from the time you sow the seeds. Don’t be alarmed if plants go dormant in the heat of summer. They’ll perk back up again when temperatures cool closer to fall.Its blooms are colored with white, pink, and purple flowers. Flowers are edible and non-toxic to humans and animals. Sweet Alyssum is grown not only for the draw of its flowers in hanging pots and as a carpeting plant but also for its ability to attract beneficial insects in the field such as ladybugs and hoverfly.Alyssum is easy to grow and one of the most forgiving plants available today. It is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, soil tolerant and will continue to bloom prolifically throughout the summer and fall without deadheading.
Is alyssum toxic to dogs?
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) Known for its delicate, fragrant flowers, alyssum is safe for dogs and can provide a lovely touch to any garden. Growing Tips: Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Is Alyssum Poisonous to Dogs? Dogs are not bothered by any part of Alyssum. The leaves and flowers can be eaten without adverse effects on your pet. If Alyssum is part of a mixed planting, be aware if any of the other plants are potentially toxic.A few examples of toxic plants for dogs include lavender plants, citronella, snake plants, lucky bamboo, hydrangeas, and certain poisonous palm plants for dogs. These toxic plants for dogs can produce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more.The marigold plant can be mildly toxic to dogs when ingested and can also cause irritation when contact is made with the fur and skin. Though the effects of this plant are not life-threatening in any way, your pet may experience discomfort with exposure.
What does the alyssum flower symbolize?
In ancient times, Sweet Alyssum was often associated with emotional balance and protection. Greeks believed it could calm anger and soothe tempers. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘alysson,’ where ‘a’ means ‘without’ and ‘lyssa’ means ‘rage’ – effectively calling it the flower that wards off rage. Planting and Care Sweet alyssum performs best when planted in a spot that has well-drained soil and receives full sun, but it can also take some shade. For maximum flowering, plants should be watered regularly and fertilized. Sweet alyssum is generally pest free, and reportedly deer resistant.Regular fertilizing with liquid seaweed or other liquid fertilizers made for blooming plants is a must. Feed containers every 2-3 weeks, and Alyssum will bloom until the first frost.Sweet alyssum performs best when planted in a spot that has well-drained soil and receives full sun, but it can also take some shade. For maximum flowering, plants should be watered regularly and fertilized.It will start flowering within 6-8 weeks from sowing. Although it will tolerate short dry periods, alyssum does best with consistent moisture. Do not fertilize heavily, as too fertile soil will promote more foliar growth than flowers. If plants are too wet or crowded, the dense growth may lead to rotting.Sweet alyssum makes a colorful carpet of tiny flowers to blanket your garden or landscape. Within two months of being started from seed, this plant quickly covers the ground with tiny cross-shaped, four-petal flowers.