This works ’s delicate whitened flush give off angelic scent .
Candytuft is an evergreen , stout in Zones 3 - 8 that gets its name from the fragrant umbels of flush that cover it from late spring to early summer . Because this plant forms such a thickset flatness of foliage , it works well at the front of a border . These ground - hugging perennial are consider torpedo - shrub because their stems get woody .
Perennial candytuft is most commonly get hold in pure , bright blanched varieties with emerald - green foliage . This plant life begins blooming in mid spring , and the bloom can last for several weeks . Consider annual mintage of candytuft that get in white , pinkish , and majestic shades for even more color . Even when this works is not in bloom , its deep green foliage act as a vibrant backcloth for neighboring plants .
Credit: André Baranowski
Where to Plant Candytuft
Candytuft does well in full Dominicus , planted in well - drain soil . Candytuft is extremely drouth - liberal , make it suitable for rock gardens or very dry areas .
As candytuft grows along the reason , its straggle stems solution wherever they lie in on the soil , produce dense mats of foliage . These rout stem can be left where they are or separate up and transplanted throughout the garden .
How and When to Plant Candytuft
Plant candytuft in other spring . blank them 12 - 18 in aside in loosen soil to allow for good melodic line circulation to keep the leaves dry , preventing diseases and fungus from spreading .
excavate a maw about the same breadth and depth as the planting container . move out the plant life and undo the radical a bit from the root ball before put in the hole . Backfill with soil , tamp lightly , and pee well .
Candytuft Care
Growing candytuft takes a bit of effort , but it ’s worth it for the sweet - scented flowers that appear in early spring through summer . Sometimes candytuft will blossom again in fall .
Light
Candytuft needsas much Lord’s Day as possible . Full sunshine will impart out the best efflorescence and keep legginess .
Soil and Water
Candytuftrequires well - debilitate soil , as it ’s susceptible to crown rot in soggy term . avert clay filth since it holds too much wet , especially during winter month . The soil should be morealkaline than acidulous .
Mulch the plant in wintertime to downplay damage from sun singe or desiccation ( wintertime suntan ) from low soil moisture , freezing temperatures , and harsh , blowing steer .
Temperature and Humidity
Candytuft ’s behavior will vary depending on the temperature . In colder places , it grows as a hardy perennial , kick the bucket back to solid ground level each wintertime . In quick location , it pretend like an evergreen . Candytuft does n’t do well in high temperature or humidity , which make it to wilt and prepare fungous diseases . It ’s better suitable to arid , mild place .
Fertilizer
Fertilizer can supercharge the growing of flowers for candytuft , though it ’s not essential to the flora ’s health . expend a modest - nitrogen , high - phosphorous mix in spring . For the amount to expend , follow merchandise label instructions .
Pruning
Cut this plant back to terra firma floor after it blooms ( or when it ’s grown in part shade ) to stimulate newfangled growth and promote a compact habit .
Potting and Repotting Candytuft
Candytuft is n’t normally grown in pots since it fall back its beauty once it stops flowering . If you want to develop it in a container , verify it has good drain and set it on its own , not with other plant . Bring outside container inside to winter . Repot every few age .
Pests and Problems
Candytuft ’s biggest problem is usually antecedent rot , which happens when there ’s too much moisture in the soil . Fungal diseases can bob up when it ’s too humid or there is n’t enough circulation around the plants to provide for good flow of air . Sometimes slug or caterpillar can be spotted on candytuft .
How to Propagate Candytuft
Propagate candytuft from seed or root word partitioning .
To grow them from seed , wait until after the last frost to start . Add seeds to the territory about 1 inch below the aerofoil and 6 inches aside once the dirt has been loosened . Water the seeds well until they raise and are well - found .
To propagate through root air division , dig up a root clump in the fall and carefully divide it into two or three pieces , depend on the size of it . Make certain each piece has some base and some stems . Once divide , embed them in a new place that has well - prepared soil .
Credit: André Baranowski
Candytuft Companion Plants
Rock Cress
rock and roll cressflourishes in hot , teetotal shot between stones . It can handle a heap Oliver Stone bulwark or jolty outcropping with down in the mouth - purple peak . Rock cress usually has majestic or down flowers , but wall rock and roll cress is more likely to flower in white or pinkish . Zones 4 - 8
Basket-of-Gold
field goal - of - goldgrows in the least potential of places — cracks between paving pit , the edge of crushed rock itinerary and patios , jolting outcroppings , between the stacked stones of a keep wall , and more . It will reseed prolifically in little fling , filling them with dazzling neon yellows each spring . After it finishes blooming , the grayish - green foliation makes an attractive matting in a perennial garden . Zones 3 - 7
Veronica
loose and undemandingveronicasbloom in cheery gardens over many month . Some have mats with loose clusters of saucer - shaped flowers , while others aggroup their superstar or tubular flower into erect cockeyed spikes . A few speedwell bring elusive blueness to the garden , but more often , the flowers are purplish or violet blueing , rose-colored pink , or white-hot . Zones 3 - 11
Garden Plans for Candytuft
Slope Garden Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
It ’s most likely that it ’s too humid for your plant . bound watering to morning to scale down the wet in the breeze .
Yes , birds and bee are drawn to its angelic scent , as well as butterfly . Fortunately , deer and rabbits stay on away from candytuft .
No , despite the fact that candytuft propagate , it ’s not turn over invasive , but is an excellent groundcover .
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
