Lobularia maritima ( Easter Bonnet Violet Sweet Alyssum )

Compact clumps of foliage covered with numerous violet flowers literally covering the plant from spring through early fall. Leaves are lance shaped, 1 inch long. With its lovely honey fragrance, this delicate, reseeding annual is an excellent choice for borders and containers. Very nice in rock gardens and between flagstones. A perfect companion with pansies, sweet william and parsley in a container. Soil should be well-drained as soggy soil is a sure way to rot. Can be rejuvenated by shearing back: often plants brought home from the nursery have gotten too leggy in their cramped space, or time has taken its toll. Within 4 weeks, plant should be bushy and blooming again


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Characteristics

Cultivar: Easter Bonnet Violet  
Family: Brassicaceae  
Size: Height: 0.25 ft. to 0.25 ft.
Width: 0.67 ft. to 1 ft.  
Plant Category: annuals and biennials,  
Plant Characteristics: low maintenance, seed start, spreading,  
Foliage Characteristics: small leaves,  
Flower Characteristics: fragrant, old fashioned/heritage,  
Flower Color: purples,  
Tolerances: slope,  


Requirements


Bloomtime Range: Late Spring to Mid Fall  
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9  
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant  
Light Range: Part Shade to Full Sun  
pH Range: 5 to 7.5  
Soil Range: Some Sand to Some Clay  
Water Range: Normal to Normal  





Plant Care

Fertilizing

How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials

Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.

Light

Conditions : Dappled Light

Dappled Light refers to a dappled pattern of light created on the ground, as cast by light passing through high tree branches. This is the middle ground, not considered shady, but not sunny either. Dappled remains constant throughout the day.

Conditions : Full Sun

Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.

Watering

Conditions : Moist and Well Drained

Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants.

Planting

How-to : Planting and Removing Annuals

When planting annuals, begin by preparing the soil. Rototill rotted compost, soil conditioner, pulverized bark, or even builders sand into the existing soil and rake it smooth. Annuals grow quickly, so space them as recommended on plant tags. Remove plants from their containers or packs gently, being sure to keep as much soil as you can around the root ball. If the rootball is tight, loosen it a bit by gently separating white, matted roots with your fingers or a pocket knife. Plant at the same depth they were in the containers. Gently fill in around the plants, providing support but not cutting off air to the roots. Water the plants well.

Through the season, be sure to fertilize for optimal performance. Take special care to cut back or completely remove any diseased plants, as soon as you see there is a problem. At the end of the season, be sure to remove all plants and their root balls. Rake the bed well to prepare it for the next season's planting.

Problems

Miscellaneous

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