Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Seaside Lobularia 'Tiny Tim'

This is a gorgeous and very easy plant in our garden! Not as sweetly scented as other cultivars, but worth having because it stays round ...Read Moreand compact, in a 4-6" h&w mound that starts blooming from about the 4th or 5th week from seed. Blooms year round in our climate zone if tops are sheared lightly before plant sets seed.

We have it planted in mostly clay-loam where the plants recieve anything from full sun to mostly shade, and little to no fertilizing. They get anywhere from weekly to twice-monthly watering and, for the most part, are allowed to dry out between watering. They never show signs of stress unless allowed to dry out completely when it's very hot out.

My favorite thing to do with Tiny Tim is plant the seeds in minature clay pots (the diameter of a penny on the bottom and a nickel on top). This causes the plants to become rootbound as they develop and forces them to remain small, often just 2" high with a single central stalk with 6 or 8 leaves and one 'head' of flowers on top. Grown in this way they look like a miniature, vase-shaped bouquet. and are just lovely sitting around the house!