Candytuft
iberis sempervirens
Also known as: ["Evergreen Candytuft","Perennial Candytuft"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen perennial with fragrant white flowers, native to southern Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Iberis |
| Botanical Name: | Iberis sempervirens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or slopes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils but performs best with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Lightly prune after flowering; shape as needed in late spring or early summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun promotes best flowering; morning sun is ideal; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend heavy clay soils; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate light frosts.
Protect from hard freezes; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after flowering; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth; use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength if needed.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend); can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity; check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node; shape the plant as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged stems; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose a slightly larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; leaf scorch in intense sun.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged freezing can damage tender new growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to cool roots; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring only; use balanced formula; avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Iberis sempervirens. The glycosides present can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Iberis sempervirens can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of glycosides. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicIberis sempervirens contains glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Iberis sempervirens be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, especially in well-drained soil.
Q: Does Candytuft attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its fragrant flowers.
Q: Can Iberis sempervirens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as they have good drainage and are placed in full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
