Candytuft, botanically known as Iberis, is a low growing, mounding perennial prized for its evergreen foliage and generous display of blooms. In Spring and into early Summer, it produces masses of delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or soft lavender, depending on the variety. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a flowering woody subshrub used as a herbaceous perennial in rock gardens and dry border gardens.

Understanding the Context

Learn to grow this easy plant using this guide. This evergreen, flowering groundcover (Iberis sempervirens) brightens gardens with its late-spring blooms, tolerates drought, attracts pollinators, and thrives in sunny, well-draining spots. Iberis reach a height of between 15 and 30 cm (6 to 12 inches), and flower in the middle of spring with tiny white flowers. The common name for Iberis is Candytuft.

Key Insights

The genus name, Iberis, is derived from the Greek word, iberis, meaning the plant is originally from Iberia. The specific epithet, sempervirens, is derived from Latin and is two separate words. Candytuft is the common name for pretty, low-growing ornamentals in the Iberis genus. With popular annual and perennial options for home gardeners, both types have similar easy care growth habits and garden uses! Iberis (/ aɪˈbɪərɪs / eye-BEER-iss), [2] commonly called candytuft, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae.

Final Thoughts

It comprises annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs native to the Old World. [3] Iberis sempervirens, commonly called candytuft, is a low-growing, spreading, woody-based, herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub which typically forms a foliage mound rising to 6-12” tall and spreading to 18” wide or more. It is native to southern Europe.