Also known as Candytuft · 375 saves
Iberis
Iberis, the genus most gardeners know as candytuft. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Iberis varieties
2 species of Iberis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Iberis in Sow
Save the Iberis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Iberis
Whats common across all Iberis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Iberis year
- PruneApril and May83% of varieties
Shear back lightly (1/3) after the main spring bloom to maintain shape and encourage rebloom
- PlantMarch, April, September and October67% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring or early fall.
- FertilizeMarch50% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring only if growth is weak
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Remove any dead or winter-damaged foliage before new growth begins
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize excessively
- Never forget to prune after flowering
What goes wrong with Iberis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Webbing and stippled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Cabbage Worms | Chewed leaves and holes | Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as an organic control |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply a fungicidal spray or homemade baking soda solution |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide or neem oil and improve air circulation |
Making more Iberis
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil and keep humid for 6 weeks.
Seed
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, about 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Iberis questions
How many types of Iberis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Iberis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 375 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Iberis grow in?
Across its varieties, Iberis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Iberis bloom?
Most Iberis varieties bloom in early spring, spring, summer, fall, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Iberis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.