Introduction
Scientific name and etymology
The scientific name of the Alyssum flower is Lobularia maritima. All genus Alyssum flowers are mostly Eurasian in origin and have racemes of white or yellow blooms. The Alyssum flower 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 blossoms 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. In this article you will learn more about Alyssum Flower meaning and its different types.
Where and how it grows?
Sweet Alyssum starts from seed or plant, both of which are 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 inside 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.
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.
What do Alyssum Flowers 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 meaning is ‘bitterness’, and ‘anger’. When you consider the name, it’s quite a contradiction since this flower is pretty 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 no longer has a medicinal use.
What do the various colors of the Alyssum flower mean?
1. Wonderland White
White Alyssum Groundcover in Wonderland is one of the most magnificent views in the world. It blooms in tiny, star-shaped white flowers that are truly stunning to see. 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 does not need much trimming.
2. Violet Queen
Violet Queen is a low-growing annual with a honey-like aroma. It germinates quickly and spreads swiftly, quickly covering the ground with stunning lilac blooms and green leaves. It thrives in full or partial sunshine and can withstand brief droughts.
3. Tiny Tim
As the name says, this is a dwarf alyssum, and it does not grow more than 3 inches. Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous and delicate white bloom. This variety’s distinctive property may bloom all summer long and germinate merely in 6-7 days. Their sweet, honey-like scent and gorgeous white blossoms are what make them a fantastic option for any garden or patio.
4. 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. This classic hardy annual adds a delicate coating of ice white blooms to summer beds, rockeries, and various yard divisions with its wonderful nectar perfume. It stands around 15 cm (6 inches) tall. This species is edible and is often used in breakfast dishes like omelets.
5. Snow Drift
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.
6. Snow Crystals
This is one of the most 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 those of 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 in length. 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.
7. 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 a width of approximately 10 inches. It blooms in around 8-10 weeks and maybe cultivated in either rich or moderately damp soil. It is at its finest in the early summer and cannot withstand excessive heat.
8. Oriental Nights
The plant “oriental nigh” 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.
9. New Carpet of Snow
This 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.
10. 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 intense fragrance and vibrant color.
11. Little Dorrit
They are loose-leaf clusters of leaves adorned with various white fragrant 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. From mid-spring until late autumn, this kind of sweet alyssum flowers are seen. It thrives in both full sun and light shade.
12. 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 flavoring in 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.
13. Easter Bonnet (Violet)
Easter Bonnet has a strong aroma and comes in a variety of hues. It spreads by spreading 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.
14. Carpet of Snow
Its sweet and seductive aroma makes it the most popular flower for gardens, courtyards, and even 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 the frost 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 almost anyplace.
15. Royal Carpet (Purple)
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 is about 2-4 inches high and 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. Although 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.
Interesting Facts and Characteristics of the Alyssum Flower
- Alyssum is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea’s coastal regions and islands and the European islands in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Alyssum often self-seeds in the garden and often appears in unexpected locations.
- Sweet Alyssum is often seen growing in cracks or along walls in civilizations.
- Alyssum 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 petals roughly 5 mm in diameter.
- Lobularia maritima or Alyssum maritimum is the scientific name for Alyssum. 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 a height of between 5 – 30 cm (2-12 inches).
- Alyssum is also referred to as sweet Alyssum or sweet Alison.
Best Time to Gift Someone 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 blooms rapidly and is an excellent attractant of beneficial insects and butterflies. This makes it the flower you can gift anytime. You can give it as a gift on occasions like weddings, funerals, parties, valentines days, marriage anniversaries, etc.
Conclusion
Here in this article, we have explained interesting things about the Alyssum flower, including the Alyssum flower meaning. Sweet alyssum blooms are stunning, fragrant, and provide 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! Here in this article, we have mentioned what the flower symbolizes, its different beautiful varieties, and how it is great to gift someone on special occasions. Enjoy the beauty of this flower, and it has multiple health benefits.
PansyMaiden is an online platform where you can find everything to do with flowers. If you love flowers, love to plant them, take care of them, create beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets, or create mesmerizing art using flowers, this is the right place for you.