North Face

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Lobularia

Species

maritime

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a compact growth habit and profuse, long-lasting flowers, which is also very attractive to pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

Highly versatile, it is valued in landscaping for adding a splash of colour and fragrance to green spaces such as flowerbeds and terraces, whether planted in isolated monochromatic groups or combined with other varieties or species. Moderately hardy, it prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil and sunny positions.

Varietal description

The ‘North Face’ alyssum is a vigorous yet hardy variety, covered in delicate, fragrant flowers, whose clumps remain round and neat for a very long time, making them excellent for flower borders from spring right through to summer, until temperatures approach 0°C. It is a variety used as ground cover in flowerbeds or in container arrangements as a trailing plant, alongside other upright, low-growing or more vigorous annuals. Its fragrance attracts beneficial insects as well as enchanting anyone who passes by. It must be placed in full sun to maintain the quality and compactness of its foliage.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Lobularia, derives from the Latin *lobulus*, meaning ‘small lobe’, in reference to the rounded shape of the siliques (fruits), whilst the specific epithet, *maritima*, derives from *mare* (sea), as the plant generally grows wild near coastal areas. It is believed to possess medicinal properties and is also used in cooking.

The common name ‘alisso’ comes from Greek and means ‘without anger’, as the ancients believed the plant could cure rabies transmitted by dog bites.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to the western Mediterranean basin and the Macaronesia region (the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde), it has become widely naturalised in geographical areas with a temperate climate, including the northern United States, where it was recorded as a cultivated plant in the late nineteenth century. It first appeared in Italian gardens from the 1700s onwards; today it is an ornamental plant widely cultivated throughout the world to add a splash of colour and fragrance to gardens and terraces.

Flower size

The flower is individually small, clustered in larger, soft and elegant inflorescences.

Leaf

Leaf has an elongated, lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid-spring to late autumn for a period of between 160 and 200 days, ensuring a long-lasting display.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf color

Leaf Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.1 to 0.25 m, ideal for creating dense monochromatic canopies or mixed groups with other differently developed ornamentals.

Lifespan

Plant grown mainly as an annual.

Suggested planting locations

Versatile in use, it is widely appreciated in various settings such as flower beds, balconies, terraces, outdoor tubs, borders, tubs, large pots, planters, vertical walls

Stem/stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with a symmetrical corolla and solid-coloured petals. It grows in small umbel-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late autumn, with a flowering period of between 160 and 200 days. It has sweet notes and is very fragrant, with a strong aroma. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

It has a medium to vigorous growth habit, making it ideal for borders and planters.

Plant habit

A variety with arounded habit.

branching

The abundant branching allows for a decorative result of considerable ornamental value.

pH

It prefers a slightly acidic pH, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, give the soil a light dig to remove any weeds and large stones, work in some slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser, and break up the larger clods using a spade. To improve drainage of excess water, create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil; finally, add a layer of professional potting compost to the surface, about 5–10 cm deep, and level it carefully.

sun exposure

It develops well when exposed to half shade, light shade, full sun. If possible, expose the plant in sunny areas for thriving Growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 13 and 14 °C. The biological temperature range is between 4 and 32 °C; it prefers a temperate climate.

Use

It is prized by gardening enthusiasts of all experience levels for its abundant and prolonged flowering in the following areas:

Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is of moderate hardiness and is sensitive to waterlogging.

Soil/medium

For lobularia, the ideal soil in a flowerbed is of medium texture or slightly sandy, enriched and well-drained; for use in pots and planters, a potting mix for spring-flowering plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

Cultivation is moderately difficult, with an overall management level that is average; with appropriate cultivation practices, it will yield excellent results in terms of growth and flowering.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips for this variety, aimed at achieving the best growth and flowering results:
Avoid over-watering Expose the plant to as much light as possible

Composition

Due to its growth habit and maximum height, it is ideal for creating harmonious and balanced overall effects in flowerbeds – both in terms of form and colour – when combined with different varieties of lobularia or with other ornamental plants such as Begonia semperflorens, Begonia x boliviensis, Begonia x hybrida, Impatiens walleriana and Senecio cineraria.

planting

When planting in a flowerbed, an average density of 22 plants per square metre is recommended to achieve a balanced final composition, allowing each individual plant to grow to its full potential.

It is also advisable to carefully remove the seedling from its container without damaging the roots, placing it in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to compress the root ball excessively, and watering immediately after planting without overwatering, preferably in the morning.

Reproduction/Propagation

Medium sowing.

Irrigation

Lobularia is sensitive to overwatering, which causes its growth to slow down or stop; it is advisable to water only after checking the soil or growing medium, which should feel slightly dry to the touch. Use rainwater, or alternatively canal or tap water, either by hand or via an irrigation system, taking care to allow the soil or compost to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid both sudden drought and harmful waterlogging. When transplanting, support the seedling to ensure it adapts properly to its new location, keeping the soil at a constant moisture level without overwatering. It is also advisable not to water the plant from above, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, to avoid damaging the flowers and to prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settlement, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental Species to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet friendly

No toxicity is known to occur in pets; assess the specific circumstances and consult your vet in the event of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity unknown; avoid ingestion.

advise 1

The soil in the flowerbed where the alyssum is to be planted must not be too wet or heavy, as the plant is sensitive to excess moisture, especially at the start. It is advisable to add good-quality potting compost and mix it into the soil in the flowerbed. When grown in pots, it has medium to high water requirements and needs good-quality potting compost, preferably peat-based, which should not be mixed with garden soil, to prevent root rot.