Iberis
( eye - BEAR - iss )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Candytuft, these plants reach a foot tall and are from southern and western Europe. They need full sun to partial shade and regular water. These flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. Both annual and perennial varieties bloom freely over early spring and summer months. Annuals prefer areas where summer nights are cool. These versatile plants can be used as small-scale groundcover, as edgings, in rock gardens or containers, and are great as cut flowers. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden, as they are mildly poisonous to humans and pets.
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Iberis Species and Varietals
The genus Iberis is a member of the plant family Brassicaceae and includes 30 species. Candytuft grow best in zones 1-24, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Iberis amara (Wild Candytuft, Rocket Candytuft, Bitter Candytuft, Annual Candytuft) This species is native to Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. It has been introduced to and naturalized in many other areas around the globe. This species typically reaches between 4 and 12 inches tall when in bloom and produces green foliage and white flowers. There are also some garden varieties available in deeper shades of pink, violet, or fuchsia. |
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Iberis 'Absolutely Amethyst' This foot tall perennial has pinkish purple blooms. |
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Iberis gibraltarica (Gibraltar Candytuft) Best in zones 4-9 and 14-24, stems on this plant bear flat clusters of light pink to purple flowers which sometimes have white centers. These plants are native to North Africa, and are the national flower of Gibraltar. This species is fantastic for growing in rock gardens and in borders. |
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Iberis 'Masterpiece' This perennial flower grows to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, with an upright habit. Flowers are white with pink centers. |
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Iberis saxatilis (Rock Candytuft) This species is native to southern Europe and northwestern Africa, and is typically used as an ornamental in rock gardens. It has a cascading growth habit, and can be evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on the climate it is grown in. Flowers are typically white, aging to pinkish or purplish. Stems form adventitious roots where they touch soil. Great for alpine gardens. |
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Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft, Perennial Candytuft)
This species is a perennial favorite and grows to 12 inches tall and about as wide. Leaves are dark green and endure throughout the year. These plants are native to Morocco, Algeria, Syria, Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Romania, and the Balkan Peninsula. Flower clusters of white are perfect for adding softness to fresh arrangements. Varieties are outlined below.
This species is a perennial favorite and grows to 12 inches tall and about as wide. Leaves are dark green and endure throughout the year. These plants are native to Morocco, Algeria, Syria, Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Romania, and the Balkan Peninsula. Flower clusters of white are perfect for adding softness to fresh arrangements. Varieties are outlined below.
'Alexander's White'
This variety is compact, getting to 6 inches tall and has delicate foliage. |
'Little Gem'
Reaches 4-6 inches tall. |
'Purity'
6-12 inch tall plant that has a spreading habit. |
'Snowflake'
4-12 inches tall and 1.5-3 feet wide. Leaves are leathery and flowers form in larger clusters on shorter stems than the species. |
'Snow White'
12 inch tall, 24-inch wide mound. |
'Tahoe'
An upright grower that reaches 10-12 inches tall and just as wide. |
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Iberis umbellata (Globe Candytuft, Garden Candytuft) This species is a bushy annual that grows to 12-15 inches tall and 9 inches wide. Flowers come in a variety of colors including slalmon, white, pink, rose, red, purple, and lilac. Variety 'Candy Cane' (pictured) has rose, purple, lilac and white flowers and the Dwarf Fairy series reaches just 6 inches tall. |
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Caring for Iberis
They prefer well-drained soil. Plant annuals in spring, and perennials in spring or fall. Shear lightly after blooms fade to encourage new growth and repeat blooms.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 371, Iberis
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