The evergreen candytuft needs a sunny spot and dry soil so that the white flowers can unfold well.
The evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) spreads its mat-like carpets of flowers and delights with its flower heads reminiscent of small loops.
In spring, the plants set the first colorful accents in the bed. The white of the flowers looks like a last remnant of winter and can be combined with blue cushion, goose cress or chamomile to create a pretty arrangement in the garden bed.
Evergreen Candytuft - Origin
Candytufts belong to the cruciferous family. The approximately 40 different species include dwarf shrubs, perennials and annual plants. The original home of the candytuft lies in the mountainous regions of southern Europe.
| Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | pillow-like, hemispherical, woody |
| Growth: | 15 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flowering: | April - May |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry to fresh, well-drained/td> |
Plant Evergreen Candytuft
Hobby gardeners particularly appreciate that the plants have adapted very well to our climate and that the winter in the bed cannot harm them. The white flowers appear at the end of April. The flowers turn pink as they fade. Some varieties also surprise with a red flower color.
➔ Find the right location
The evergreen candytuft comes from Mediterranean regions and prefers a sunny spot, but also acceptsa bright and partially shady spot. If the location chosen is too dark, the evergreen candytuft will only grow sparsely and will not bloom.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
The soil should be well drained. A mineral-sandy soil is preferred. The substrate may be like calcareous. As we shall hear, the evergreen candytuft is becoming more likelyrarely watered, but can then be watered with tap water.
» Note: If the soil is too rich in nutrients and humus, the candytufts will begin to proliferate and outgrow their original shape.
➔ Planting evergreen candytufts - step by step
The best planting time is spring. Then the plant gets enough time to adjust to its new location and to grow well until the coming winter. If the planting is carried out in autumn, sufficient winter protection must be provided. Especially frost damage the evergreen foliage.
Proceed as follows for planting:
- Select Location
- Prepare substrate
- Dig planting hole
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Close planting hole
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant
» Tip: If you want a dense cushion, you need at least eight plants per square meter.
The evergreen candytuft feels at home in the rock garden, but also thrives in plant pots.
Watering the evergreen candytuft properly
As a typical representative of rock garden plants, the evergreen candytuft prefers to be too dry rather than too moist. The plants only need to be watered if there is a prolonged drought. In any case, water sparingly so that the water does not accumulate and cause waterlogging.
Fertilize Evergreen Candytuft
The same applies to fertilizer: less is more. When planting in nutrient-rich garden soil, no additional fertilization is necessary. Poor soil can be upgraded with compost or horn shavings when planting. If there is over-fertilization, this damages the growth habit of the plants. The flowers can also lose endurance and intensity as a result.
Pruning Evergreen Candytuft
The hobby gardener must support the plants in maintaining their compact growth. Candytuft forms pretty cushions if all shoots are shortened by about a third after flowering.
» Note: If you miss the pruning, you risk that the evergreen candytuft will start to bare from the middle.
The cut should be immediateafter flowering and not just before the onset of winter. In order not to endanger the formation of flowers, you must not cut back into the old wood.
Popular varieties at a glance
➔ Evergreen Candytuft 'Tahoe'
| Evergreen candytuft 'Tahoe' (Iberis sempervirens 'Tahoe') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | ground-covering, cushion-forming, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 20 - 25 cm |
| Growth: | 45 - 60 cm |
| Flowering: | March - June |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | loose, dry to fresh, rich in humus, well-drained |
➔ Evergreen Candytuft 'Snowflake'
| Evergreen candytuft 'Snowflake' (Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | pillow-like to cushion-like, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 15 - 25 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flowering: | April - May |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | calcareous, slightly dry to fresh, well-drained |
➔ Evergreen candytuft 'Appen Etz'
| Evergreen candytuft 'Appen Etz' (Iberis sempervirens 'Appen Etz') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | densely bushy to loosely bushy, clumpy |
| Growth: | 10 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flowering: | April - May |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | normal, permeable |
Propagating Evergreen Candytuft
Propagation by cuttings is also possible for inexperienced hobby gardeners. The cuttings are cut from non-flowering shoots at a length of about five centimeters. The cut shoot can simply be placed in a humus-rich substrate. In contrast to the adult plants, the cuttings are kept sufficiently moist.
» Good to know: It is not possible to split the evergreen candytuft. The plants only have a thin main root.
If the inflorescences are not removed and the plant ripens to seed, the evergreen candytuft can successfully self-seed.
Detect diseases and pests
The rock garden plant is robust and very well adapted to our climate. Diseases or pests are rare. Powdery mildew or leaf spot can occur in too wet a location.
Pests hardly ever occur. If the plant is weakened by an unfavorable location, an aphid infestation can occur. Most pests avoid the plant and even slugs are not interested in the evergreen candytuft.
Winter Evergreen Candytuft
Once the plants have gotten used to their location and were brought into the ground in spring, they are usually frost-resistant. So that the sun cannot dry out the evergreen foliage, a winter protection made of brushwood is advisable. If the plant is supplied with compost every spring, the vitality is improved and there is no frost damage.