Candytuft
Boulder, Colorado area landscapes {Monthly Series}
Evergreen Candytuft or Iberis sempervirens is a semi-evergreen perennial flower that is striking in the spring landscape with its mound of white flowers. It is a great addition to any perennial garden for several reasons. First, it is one of the few perennials that does a pretty good job of keeping its foliage green over the winter months in our harsh Boulder Colorado landscapes. Second, it is compact and only spreads lightly by rhizomes, not seed (usually), and third, it has a flush of small white flowers with yellow centers that covers the plant pretty early in the spring into early summer. Finally, it can maintain its flowering well into the heat of summer before fading.
Candytuft is a low water usage plant, but does require some moisture to become established. Like any perennial in Colorado, some do not make it through our winters, but it is pretty hardy. It likes most soils, but prefers a nice loamy mix. It can tolerate some shade, but prefers full sun. It is happiest peeking out from under a rock nook, a larger shrub providing it some protection from winter drying winds, or just nestled up against a slightly protected area of the home. It grows 8-12” high and spreads to about 24” wide. It can be found as #1 size or smaller in flats of 4” or 2 ¼” pots for more mass plantings.
This is a “no-brainer” for perennial borders. Let it spread out into the pathways somewhat to soften an edge. Use it as a groundcover or as individual compliments to other colorful perennials. Plant some today!
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