Also known as Sweet Alyssum · 185 saves
Lobularia
Lobularia, the genus most gardeners know as sweet alyssum. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Lobularia varieties
Species of Lobularia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lobularia in Sow
Save the Lobularia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lobularia
Whats common across all Lobularia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Lobularia year
- PruneJune and July100% of varieties
Shear back lightly (by 1/3) if plants become leggy or flowering slows
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially in containers
- PlantApril and May80% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Prune dead or faded flowers to promote new growth
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall to prevent weak new growth
- Refrain from planting in overly shaded areas
What goes wrong with Lobularia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Cabbage Worms | Chewed leaves and holes | Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or organic pesticide |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Lobularia
Cuttings
- Take 3-inch cuttings from healthy stems in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity and mist regularly for 6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks until germination.
- Transplant seedlings once established, after 4-6 weeks.
Lobularia questions
How many types of Lobularia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Lobularia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 185 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lobularia grow in?
Across its varieties, Lobularia covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lobularia bloom?
Most Lobularia varieties bloom in spring to frost, early summer, spring to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lobularia 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.