Contents
Description
Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift is a low-growing, spreading plant that produces masses of tiny, fragrant, white flowers from spring to fall. It is also known as sweet alyssum and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its ease of growing and its attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Lobularia |
Appearance
The Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift has small, ovate leaves that are light green in color. Its flowers are small and white, with four petals that are arranged in clusters. The plant grows up to 8 inches tall and can spread up to 12 inches wide. The Snowdrift cultivar is known for its profuse and continuous blooming, producing flowers from spring until fall.
Care Guide
The Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooming.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefers a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift is generally pest and disease-free, but can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, keep the plant healthy and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It prefers warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
- Q: How often should I water my Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift?
- A: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Q: What is the best soil for the Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift?
- A: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefers a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Q: Is the Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift a perennial or an annual plant?
- A: The plant is a perennial in USDA zones 9-11, but can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
- Q: How tall does the Lobularia Maritima Snowdrift grow?
- A: The plant grows up to 8 inches tall and can spread up to 12 inches wide.
Related Plants
- Lobularia Maritima
- Lobularia Maritima Carpet of Snow
- Lobularia Maritima Easter Bonnet Deep Rose
- Lobularia Maritima Purple Stream
References
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (2019). Sweet Alyssum. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/sweet-alyssum/9420356
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Lobularia maritima, Sweet Alyssum. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP618
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Lobularia maritima ‘Snowdrift’. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/plants/snowdrift-lobularia-maritima/
