Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 03:29 pm
The scientific name of the Alyssum flower is Lobularia maritima or Alyssum maritimum. All genus alyssum flowers are mostly Eurasian and have racemes of white or yellow blooms. These flowers’ meaning is “worth beyond beauty” or “sweetness of soul” in the language of flowers; what could be more incredible? One would be hard-pressed to match a description so daintily apt.
Sweet alyssum flowers are best when exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight but may tolerate little shade. In warmer areas, plants thrive when shielded from the afternoon light. While Alyssum seedlings may withstand mild cold, plants are often destroyed by cold temperatures.
What does the Alyssum flower symbolize?
This aromatic bloom emits a tranquil, spiritual vibe that promotes emotional equilibrium in the home or workplace. Apart from being a symbol of beauty, the sweet alyssum protects the wearer from dangerous situations.
The name “alyssum” is derived from the Greek word “lyssa,” which translates as “anger” or “bitterness.” The alyssum flower’s meaning is ‘bitterness’ and ‘anger.’ Considering the name, it’s quite a contradiction since this flower is lovely and vibrant.
It was formerly employed as an antidote for illnesses such as rabies and was helpful in soothing enraged spirits. However, it is no longer utilized for these uses and has no medicinal use.
All in all, the alyssum flowers symbolic meanings are:
- rage
- madness
- against
Meaning of the Alyssum flower colors
White color
The white alyssum flower is visually gorgeous, representing innocence and purity. This flower color is also a symbol of elegance and patience.
Wonderland white
White Alyssum Ground Cover in Wonderland is one of the most magnificent views in the world. It blooms in tiny, star-shaped white flowers that are truly stunning. This type adds an astonishingly smooth and delicate surface to a nursery building and should be used to its maximum potential. This plant requires little support and maintenance and only needs a little trimming.
Tiny tim
As the name says, this is a dwarf alyssum and does not grow more than 3 inches. Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous and delicate white bloom. This distinctive property may bloom all summer and germinate in 6-7 days. Their sweet, honey-like scent and gorgeous white blossoms make them a fantastic option for any garden or patio.
Sweet white
Sweet white’s look is self-evident as soon as you hear its name. Also known as Sweet Allison, this sweet alyssum type has a strong, honey-like scent and stunning, pure white four-petaled blooms that grow in bunches.
They are Mediterranean natives. With its wonderful nectar perfume, this classic hardy annual adds a delicate coating of ice-white blooms to summer beds, rockeries, and various yard divisions.
It stands around 15 cm (6 inches) tall. This species is edible and is often used in breakfast dishes like omelets.
Snowdrift
This species has four-petaled white blooms. It is a member of the family “Brassicaceae” and grows best in the summer. In spherical floral arrangements, it spreads to around 15 cm.
Snow crystals
This species is one of the easy-to-grow Lobularia maritima cultivars. It is a robust plant that is well-known for growing in mounds.
The term “snow crystal” refers to the crystal’s white, ice slab-like look. Its blooms are more significant than other alyssum kinds, making them more susceptible to harm when exposed to intense heat and wind.
It has a spread of around 0.5 to 1 foot and is typically 0.25 to 0.75 feet long. It is capable of surviving in dry soil. Seeds are sown before the final frost day and germinate within a few weeks.
It begins to wither in the blistering heat and over the long, hot summers but blooms anew when the temperature cools. Although it blooms from April to June, it may also be seeded in August for autumn flowering.
New carpet of snow
This alyssum species is one of the simplest plants to cultivate and is always a welcome addition to rock gardens. This sturdy and thick annual plant thrives in borders, pots, and hanging baskets. It has a very addictive and pungent perfume and grows to a height of 3 to 8 inches on average.
It is particularly resistant to various weather and, unlike other plants, can withstand frigid temperatures. The seeds germinate in around 3 to 5 weeks and may be preserved inside for around five weeks before being placed outdoors.
Little dorrit
They are loose-leaf clusters of leaves adorned with various fragrant white blossoms from spring through late summer. The leaves are tiny, measuring around 1 inch in length. They have a spear-like form and a robust and honey-like aroma. This kind of sweet alyssum flower is seen from mid-spring until late autumn. It thrives in both full sun and light shade.
Carpet of snow
Its sweet and seductive aroma makes it the most popular flower for gardens, courtyards, and public spaces. The snow carpet extends around 5-8 inches and may grow up to 4 inches in length. It blooms with white flowers yearly after being sown for a minimum of four weeks.
It is a perennial plant that may be sown directly after or even brought within during the frost. Also, it is seeded straight into the soil and thrives in full or partial shade. But it demands full sun and wet soil if planted in a container. It thrives in locations with cool summers and may be found in almost any place.
Violet or Purple color
After germination, the violet alyssum blossom smells like honey and spreads swiftly. Thus, the violet alyssum flower represents how we constantly evolve, grow, and learn daily.
Violet queen
Violet Queen is a low-growing annual with a honey-like aroma. It germinates quickly and spreads swiftly, covering the ground with stunning lilac blooms and green leaves. It thrives in full or partial sunshine and can withstand brief droughts.
Oriental nights
The plant “oriental nights” is well-known for its spicy aroma and toughness. This variety is also known as Vostochnaya Noch. It grows to a maximum height of around 10-15 cm. The blooms are often tiny and purple-lilac, growing in clusters of six to eight blossoms.
They are often used as decorative items in pots, baskets, gardens, and balconies due to their sharp and sweet scent. It blooms from June until the end of October.
Easter Bonnet
Easter Bonnet has a strong aroma and comes in a variety of hues. It spreads through the flowerbed’s floor or the pot’s base. It takes around 4-5 weeks to mature and thrives in a whole light. It is distinguished from other alyssum blooms by its dense, compact growth.
Royal carpet
Throughout the summer, this variety produces clusters of purple alyssum flowers and is one of the prettiest varieties of the herb. Since it thrives as a ground cover, it is commonly referred to as a “carpet.” It only grows to a height of 2 to 4 inches.
Its seductive beauty attracts various helpful and appealing insects, making it an excellent choice for gardens. However, this is not bred because it attracts insects. Rather than that, it is cultivated for its attractive appearance as a ground cover. It is an annual plant that blooms after the danger of frost has gone. Due to its strong roots, it can withstand adverse weather.
Pink color
The pink alyssum flower is especially sweet and charming. However, this variation of alyssum flower can’t withstand extreme heat, so this is more of a springtime flower. The pink represents youthful joy, and the hue also represents the love of life itself.
Rosie o’ day
This form of sweet alyssum is charming. The fresh and beautiful pink or white blooms set Rosie O’Day apart from other varieties. It is also available in a variety of different pink hues.
This species attracts a variety of helpful insects because of its beautiful hue. This plant reaches approximately 4 inches and has a width of approximately 10 inches. It blooms in around 8-10 weeks and may be cultivated in either rich or moderately damp soil. It is at its finest in the early summer and cannot withstand excessive heat.
Blue color
This variation of the alyssum flower can withstand some pretty extreme weather conditions; the color represents resilience, perseverance, and patience.
Navy Blue
This cultivar is often referred to as navy blue alyssum. As the name implies, it is often seen in deep aqua or dark purple hues. This plant is unmatched in terms of hardiness, and it has been known to survive in the most adverse weather circumstances.
These plants are often shrubs that reach a height of 4 inches. They can thrive on typical soil and need little to no water. This cultivar has a strong, sweet aroma and thrives in direct or indirect sunshine. It attracts ladybirds, butterflies, and other insects because of its fragrance and vibrant color.
Mixed colors
Golf Series
These teeny-tiny, honey-scented plants are found in almost every Mediterranean or rock garden. They typically sprout within two weeks, are drought resistant, and may thrive without water. They thrive in warm climates and can withstand frigid temperatures. The young leaves’ stems and blooms may be used to flavor salads and other meals that need a slight aroma.
They are often seen in shades of white, pink, and purple. Typically, they yield blooms before winter.
Interesting facts about the Alyssum flower
- Sweet alyssum is often seen growing in cracks or along walls in civilizations. It is often seen growing on beaches or dunes in its habitat.
- Insects fertilize due to the sweet-smelling alyssum blossoms.
- Alyssum blooms are available in white, pink, rosy red, violet, or lilac hues.
- Alyssum produces clusters of tiny flowers with four roughly 5 mm in diameter petals.
- The alyssum flower meaning is derived from the Greek words for small pod’ and marine.
- Alyssum is a tiny, bushy annual blooming plant that grows to 5–30 cm (2-12 inches).
- Alyssum is also referred to as sweet alyssum or sweet Alison.
How to grow Alyssum flowers
Sweet alyssum starts from seed or plant, frequently accessible at nurseries.
- To begin from seed, spread the seeds gently on top of the soil and softly push them down so they establish excellent touch with the ground but remain exposed to light.
- Maintain a wet soil environment until germination occurs, then water as needed.
- Sow it outdoors after the soil feels warm to the touch. You can also start alyssum seed approximately eight weeks before the last frost date in your area (do not transplant until after all danger of frost).
Once established, alyssum is relatively cold-resilient. However, delicate transplants are not cold-tolerant.
How to care for Alyssum flowers
- Deadheading sweet alyssum will ensure that the plants continue to flower—they will immediately establish new buds.
- If you have a massive drift of plants, shearing them in half rather than deadheading might be a more convenient choice.
- While certain types self-seed successfully, the plants tend to return to the relatively gangly species, which pruning will help prevent.
Best time to gift Alyssum flowers
Alyssum is a cold-season flower planted in early spring and cultivated in frost-free locations into the autumn and winter.
Sweet alyssum flowers rapidly and is an excellent attractant of beneficial insects and butterflies. This makes it the flower you can give as a gift anytime.
You can give this flower as a gift at weddings, funerals, parties, Valentine’s Day, marriage anniversaries, etc.
Conclusion
Sweet alyssum flowers are stunning and fragrant, providing an air of elegance to any room in which they are grown. Due to the minimal care requirements of this plant, it is ideal for beginner gardeners who want a beautiful garden in no time!
These flowers are great to give someone on special occasions to enjoy the flower’s beauty and its multiple health benefits.
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