Also known as Sweet Alyssum · 167 gardener saves

Lobularia: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Lobularia, the genus most gardeners know as sweet alyssum. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

5 varietiesZones 5–10Mostly full sun

The 5 most-saved Lobularia varieties

Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

How to grow Lobularia

What the Lobularia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

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

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesUse insecticidal soap or neem oil
Cabbage WormsChewed leaves and holesApply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or organic pesticide
Spider mitesFine webbing on foliageIncrease humidity and spray with horticultural oil
Root rotWilting and browning of foliageImprove drainage and reduce watering
Root RotWilting and yellowing foliageImprove drainage and reduce watering
Powdery MildewWhite powdery coating on leavesApply organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation

Making more Lobularia

Cuttings

  1. Take 3-inch cuttings from healthy stems in late spring.
  2. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
  3. Maintain humidity and mist regularly for 6 weeks.

Seed

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks until germination.
  3. 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 167 real gardener saves — 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.

Keep exploring

Design with Lobularia in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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