WSU Clark County Extension
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Candytuft

Scientific name: Iberis umbellata
Taxonomy
Family:Brassicaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Candytuft, besides being one of the best white flowers for cutting, is also invaluable to use in rock gardens, to cover bare spots or to use in beds. It is considered one of the best plants grown for edging purposes.

  Morphology:
Candytuft, a low growing evergreen shrub, grows from 9” – 12” high and spreads out making low mats which are covered with flat, dense clusters of the purest of white, fragrant flowers borne on compact corymbs. The flowers sometimes acquire a pinkish tinge when they get older. It comes into bloom the last part of April and lasts through June. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

  Adaptation:
The plants form a dense mat and when once established should not be moved. They do best in the sunshine. In partial shade the plants will not bloom as profusely. A moderately rich soil and plenty of water are the most important requirements. Self-sows freely so be sure to deadhead the spent bloom if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. Shear the plants after they finish blooming to keep them compact.

  Pests:
None.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234