1 / 3Key characteristics
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Height
- 8 in to 12 in
- Width
- 18 in to 24 in
- Flower color
- White to pale pink four petaled flowers
- Foliage color
- Gray green narrow leaves on thorny branching stems
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and other pollinators attracted to the nectar rich flowers
Groundcovers
Alyssum spinosum
Spiny Madwort
Alyssum spinosum produces masses of tiny, four-petaled white to soft pink flowers in mid to late spring, covering the branches and attracting bees and other early pollinators. Small, narrow gray-green leaves are softly hairy and closely spaced along rigid, thorny stems, forming a dense, finely textured mound that remains attractive throughout the year. The intricate branching creates a naturally sculptural framework, while the profusion of blooms softens the plant's spiny character during the flowering season.
Works well in
- Coastal Gardens
- Borders
- Pollinator Gardens
- Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Lavender · Helianthemum · Santolina · Thyme · Sedums · Euphorbias
Design tip
Position among rocks, gravel, or retaining walls where its compact evergreen form softens hard edges without concealing stonework.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More groundcovers
Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart'
Silver Heart Siberian Bugloss
Blooms small, bright blue flowers
Partial to full shade
Cyclamen coum Pewter Group
Pewter Group Winter Cyclamen
Blooms soft to deep rosy-pink or pinkish-lavender blossoms
Partial shade to light shade
Heuchera 'Paris'
Paris Coral Bells
Blooms bright coral-red
Partial shade to full sun
Dianthus 'Olivia Bella'
Olivia Bella Dianthus
Blooms dark pink with a red eye and white edge
Full sun