Pet-Friendly Yellow, White & Purple Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):
Is sweet alyssum invasive? How do you keep alyssum blooming all summer?
It is not poisonous to dogs, in fact, some cats like alyssum. We put together the following chart to help address some of your likely top questions.
| Facts | Summary |
|---|---|
| Physical Attributes | Low-growing (3-9 inches tall), spreading plant with small, fragrant flowers in white, pink, lavender, purple, or apricot. Forms mats 6-12 inches wide with gray-green leaves. |
| General Care Tips | Prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions. Deadhead for more blooms. Reduce care in hot weather. Sow seeds directly or start indoors. It is a spreader and works well as a spill. |
| Fun Facts | Native to Mediterranean. Attracts pollinators. Edible flowers. Name means “without madness”. Used as living mulch or ground cover. Creates fragrant carpet when massed. |
Does Sweet Alyssum like sun or shade & come back every year?
FAQs for Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):
| Consideration | Sweet Alyssum |
|---|---|
| Container Friendly | Yes, excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes[1][2] |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Primarily outdoor, but can be grown indoors with proper light[1] |
| Sun/Shade | Full sun to part shade; prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily[2][4] |
| Perennial/Annual | Annual in most regions; short-lived perennial in Zones 9-11[4] |
| Flowering | Prolific bloomer from spring until first frost[4] |
| Drought Tolerant | Moderately drought tolerant once established[1][2] |
| Pollinator Magnet | Yes, attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators[3] |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes, easy to grow and care for[1][2] |
| Good Ground Cover | Yes, forms a low-growing mat, excellent as living mulch[1][4] |
| Good Privacy Screen | No, too low-growing for privacy screening |
| Invasive/Spreader | Can be invasive in some regions; vigorous self-seeder[2][4] |
| Hearty/Delicate | Relatively hearty, but sensitive to overwatering[1][2] |
| Rodent Repellant | Not known for rodent repellent properties |
| Deer Resistant | Not particularly deer resistant |
| Native To | Mediterranean region, including southern Europe and northern Africa[3] |
| Ideal States/Regions | Adaptable to many regions, but thrives in temperate climates[2][4] |
Sweet Alyssum is one of many California native drought-tolerant plants that also grows well in containers (nationwide). We created a list of some of our top pet-friendly picks for both.
Citations:
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/alyssum/potted-alyssum-plants.htm
[2] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-sweet-alyssum-1402862
[3] https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/communications/news/news_archive/2015/january/headline_news/sweet-alyssum-hybrids-enhance-coolseason-containers-landscape-beds
[4] https://www.gardendesign.com/annuals/alyssum.html
[5] https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/plant-library/sweet-alyssum/
