Alyssum is a low, mounding annual with honey-scented blooms (white, pink, purple) that carpets borders and containers. It thrives in Iowa’s cool spring and draws pollinators.
why choose Alyssum for your Iowa garden?
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is an annual flower that forms soft, flower-packed cushions that edge paths, spill from containers, and perfume patios. At Holub Greenhouses in Ames, you’ll find vigorous, bloom-heavy trays raised locally—already acclimated to central Iowa conditions and ready to take off in your garden. These compact annual flowers deliver reliable color and attract beneficial insects with minimal maintenance, ideal for busy gardeners across Story, Boone, Polk, and other central Iowa counties.
When should I plant Alyssum in Iowa?
Plant Alyssum outdoors after the last spring frost—typically mid/late April into May around central Iowa—so roots establish during cool weather. Alyssum keeps blooming into summer; a light trim mid-season triggers a fresh wave of flowers.
How do I grow Alyssum successfully in central Iowa?
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
- Water: Consistent moisture; avoid soggy roots
- Feed: Light all-purpose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks
- Pro tip: Shear lightly when bloom slows to re-flush
What flowers pair well with Alyssum?
Build color layers and internal links with compatible, Iowa-tough partners:
- Petunia, Calibrachoa, Geranium (zonal/ivy): Cascading color above a fragrant Alyssum “skirt.”
- Dianthus & Pansy (spring): Cool-season companions for early displays.
- Lobelia & Dusty Miller: Blue blooms or silver foliage for crisp contrast.
- Ornamental Kale & Spring Bulbs: Fill gaps between bulbs and extend spring interest.
- Flowering Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary in pots): Alyssum softens container rims and boosts pollinator visits.
Why should you buy Alyssum at Holub Greenhouses?
At Holub Greenhouses, our annuals are grown on-site for central Iowa, so you’ll get fresher plants, better transplant success, and more blooms—plus friendly, in-person help from a long-time, family-owned Ames greenhouse and garden center. Visit us today for current availability and seasonal tips.