Low-spreading honey-scented annual or short-lived perennial covered in dense clusters of small white, pink or purple flowers from spring until frost.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −23 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–6 | −10 °C to 15 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Sweet alyssum doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Outstanding hoverfly attractant — hoverfly larvae are among the most effective aphid predators in the garden
- Ground-hugging mat provides shelter for ground beetles and other predators
- Honey-scented and continuously flowering — ideal between vegetable rows or as a path edge
- Self-seeds reliably once established
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Sweet alyssum against your zones