This low growing evergreen shrub has lush green foliage in winter and an explosion of white flowers in early-spring to summer. Well suited for rockeries, borders, containers and hanging baskets. Makes a good companion plant for lilies as they hide the fading bulbs. Flowers are also fragrant and will attract to bees, butterflies and birds.

Botanical name: Iberis sempervirens

Height: 6-12 in / 15-30 cm

Spacing: 6-12 in / 15-30 cm

Bloom time: Early-spring through to summer.

Foliage: Dark green, shiney leaves.

Soil: Well draining soil.

Sun: Full to partial sun.

Water: Keep moist but not wet. Once established, let the soil dry between watering to prevent diseases and rot.

When to plant: Plant seeds in early spring or in early autumn if winters are mild.

How to plant: Sow seeds on good quality potting mix or seed raising mix and cover with 1/8 in / 5 mm soil. Keep moist, but not wet, and warm. Seeds should germinate in 1 to 2 weeks. When seedlings are 2 in / 5 cm high, thin out or transplant 12 in / 30 cm apart.

Suggested soil: Good quality potting mix with added complete fertiliser (eg manure).

Fertilising: Once a year in spring.

Seed collecting: Let the seed pods dry on the plant, then remove and break open to collect the seeds.

Pests & Diseases: Slugs and snails.

Tips:

• Prune to size after flowering to keep the shrubs neat and compact.
• Prolong flowering by removing spent flowers and feeding regularly with a complete fertiliser.
• Candytuft self-sows freely. If you don’t want volunteer seedlings next season, deadhead the flowers as they fade.