Alyssum saxatile

‘Sulphureum’

LEMON PERENNIAL ALYSSUM

Syn. Aurinia saxatilis

Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’
LEMON PERENNIAL ALSYSSUM

Syn. Aurinia saxatilis ‘Sulphureum’
Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ is a charming groundcover.

Carpet of frothy soft lemon

During spring it creates a carpet of frothy soft lemon blooms that completely cover the evergreen plant.

Perennial evergreen groundcover

We normally think of Alyssum as a pretty annual, but Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ (also known as Aurinia) is actually an evergreen, perennial groundcover.
So the carpet of grey-green foliage will be there for you all year round, and for many years to come, always looking soft and attractive. And providing a gentle contrast to all the other greens.
Then each spring it erupts with the froth of soft lemon blossoms and fragrance.

Sweet fragrance

With the most sweet, enchanting fragrance that wafts on the air for approximately 6 weeks of glorious scent and colour over spring.

Tough & easy groundcover

Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ is tough, hardy, easy to grow, and a very easy groundcover to enjoy in the garden.

For spilling draping & carpeting

It looks great spilling over the front edge of a garden bed, between rocks, carpeting under roses, or draping from a pot.

Hardy in heat & dry

This lovely Lemon Perennial Alyssum looks delicate, but is actually as tough as old boots.
It thrives in full sun, but will also do well with shade for part of the day.
And is well adapted to periods of dry between drinks.
Once it is established it has useful drought and heat resistance.

Water-wise groundcover

Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ is a good survivor for water-wise gardeners and those on limited water supplies.
With just average garden watering it is in bliss.
But do not overwater or overfertilize.

Thrives in poorer & sandy soils

It also thrives in sandy, gravel and rocky soils, and does best in areas with low fertility and good drainage.
Then it grows as a tight mat of foliage, and flowers profusely.
So Lemon Perennial Alyssum is also a good choice for seaside gardens.
And it can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acid to alkaline.
However it deeply resents being waterlogged, or heavy clay soils.

Frost hardy 

As a native of Eastern Europe including Turkiye, Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ is well used to extremes of hot and cold.
So it can tolerate frosts down to below -20°C in winter, then the heat of summer too.

Low maintenance

There is little to no work to do through the year.
If you wish to shape or tidy, you can shear back the plant hard after flowering.
Which helps to keep the foliage dense, but it is not essential – the plant is naturally a dense and neat growing groundcover..

Bliss for bees & pollinators

Native bees, honey-bees, butterflies, and all nectar loving pollinators just love these sweet carpets of flowers.

Hardy perennial groundcover

Alyssum saxatile ‘Sulphureum’ is a hardy, evergreen perennial.
Approx. 20cm high x 45cm diameter approx. With the flowers sitting flat on the top of the foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Recommended for beginners and kids

 Seeds are very easy to germinate.

Scatter directly in the garden in spring
OR
Sow indoors in a punnet at any time when suitable temperatures can be provided (18-20°C).

Sow indoors for quick & early plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet on good quality seed raising mix.
Then barely cover the seeds with 3 mm. of sieved mix / fine grit / fine vermiculite.
But do not bury the seeds deeply because light is needed for these seeds to germinate.

Then place the sown punnet in a warm, well lit position (not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of 18-20°C are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a heat mat if you have one.
But it is not essential because these seeds are willing and easy germinators.
So a warm window sill or corner will be fine (not in any direct sunlight).

Continue to keep the sown punnet consistently moist, but not wet, by spraying with a fine mist water bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic cover or bag will also help to maintain consistent moisture

Germination takes approx. 17-14 days.

Once germinated, prick out and place in a well aired and lit area to grow on and plant out into the garden.

Seed Count: 50 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

Click here for Nursery Open Days & Open Gardens Information
https://www.gardivalia.com.au/open-gardens

Click here to go back to Seeds Shop
https://www.seedscape.net.au/shop/