Description
A mat-forming perennial with woody stem bases, forming impressive carpets up to 30 cm tall and almost a metre across. The sprawling stems are covered with small, leathery, evergreen leaves. In the second half of April small white flowers open, gathered in showy, flat-topped clusters. Flowering usually lasts until mid-May.
Evergreen candytuft is one of the five classic spring-flowering perennials. It is excellent for rock gardens, edging and flower borders, and can be planted by retaining walls and in containers on balconies and terraces.
Requirements
The plant finds optimal growing conditions in light, humus-rich, well-drained soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. It develops well both in full sun and in light partial shade. The soil should be moderately moist all year round.
Propagation
By stem cuttings in early spring or after flowering. Seeds can also be sown straight after harvesting in autumn.
Care
The plants are hardy enough for our winters, but during snowless periods with hard frosts it is worth shading the evergreen clumps with conifer branches or even dry stems of perennials.
After flowering, cut off the flower heads, trimming the shoots back by a third. It may flower again in autumn, but less profusely.