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Perennials, Woody > Iberis > Iberis sempervirens > Iberis sempervirens

Iberis sempervirens


Candytuft




Origin:  Found in Southern Europe in 1731.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Although considered by many to be perennial I have included it here under evergreen shrubs because it can have a strong presence in the garden through the winter months.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Iberis
Species
sempervirens
Category
Perennials, Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
4-8
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-35 -20
Temperature (°F)
-31 - 67
Height
15-30 cm
Spread
15-45 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
AprilMay
General Description
Short evergreen, white flowers slightly pink at times, dark green foliage. Trimmed plant is much more compact.
Landscape
This plant is typically used as a groundcover. Excellent for use as edging. Forming a dense mat of foliage and white spring blooms. It can be sheared to promote a dense compact habit!
Cultivation
Grows in full sun and well drained soils, can withstand defoliation and cold temperatures.
Shape
Small spreading evergreen perennial, with a compact dense form; mound shaped growth.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Small spreading evergreen, white flowers, groundcover, likes well-drained soils and full sun.
Pests
Club root, damping off, powdery mildew and white rust.
Habitat
Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
Bark/Stem Description
Dark green and fleshy when young, turning semi-woody and brown with age; many branched.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Slender, obuvate, 6-12 mm.
Leaf Description
Glossy dark green, linear shaped, alternate pattern, in harsher winter climates leaves may have a lighter colour.
Flower Description
Small perfect white flowers with four petals, not very showy. 2.5-3.75 cm umbels, when in bloom, they engulf the plant giving it the look of snow.
Fruit Description
Fruits are small and slender, unattractive, usually sheared off to promote compactness in the plant.
Colour Description
Dark green foliage that has a waxy coating. Flowers are pure white in bloom, sometimes turning pink with age.
Texture Description
Herbaceous waxy green stem turning woody-brown with age.
Notable Specimens
The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Most common propagation method is by seed. Fleshy cuttings can also be used.
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