How to Grow Alyssum 'Apricot Shades'
Alyssum 'Apricot Shades'
Lobularia maritima 'Apricot Shades'
flowerA dwarf annual flowering plant known for its warm apricot and peach-colored blooms in dense clusters. 'Apricot Shades' is a cultivar of sweet alyssum that produces profuse fragrant flowers throughout the growing season, making it ideal for borders, containers, and edging.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 5-9
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge, very delicate and low-growing
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright light; thin to proper spacing once established
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy mounding habit with multiple stems and small lance-shaped green leaves
Pinch back stems early to encourage bushier form; maintain consistent moisture; begin fertilizing bi-weekly
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksDense clusters of tiny buds appear at stem tips with characteristic apricot coloring visible
Continue regular watering and fertilizing; remove any diseased foliage; stake if needed in wind
Blooming
6-12 weeks (until frost)Abundant fragrant apricot and peach-colored flowers bloom in tight clusters, creating a carpet of color
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain water and fertilizer schedule; watch for powdery mildew
Seed Development
2-3 weeksIf not deadheaded, small seed pods form after flowers fade; seeds mature for self-seeding next year
Allow some flowers to remain for seed collection; cut plant back if it becomes leggy mid-summer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; strong water spray to dislodge
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation
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and
Remove by hand at night; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles
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Water at soil level, not foliage; improve air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate if needed
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe delicate apricot-colored flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used as garnish on desserts, salads, or beverages to add visual appeal. [source]
Fresh Cut Arrangements
HouseholdAlyssum 'Apricot Shades' produces fragrant flowers that can be cut for small bouquets and arrangements, lasting several days in water with its sweet honey-like fragrance. [source]
Fragrance and Aromatics
HouseholdThe plant releases a distinctive sweet honey-like fragrance, especially in warm weather and evening hours, making it popular for gardens near seating areas and pathways. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeProfuse flowering attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftFlowers can be dried for use in wreaths, potpourri, and dried arrangements, retaining their color reasonably well and contributing their fragrance to dried arrangements. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested, but deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back leggy growth mid-summer to rejuvenate the plant. For seed saving, leave some flowers to mature and collect dried seed pods in late season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Apricot Shades' was bred to provide warm, sunset-inspired colors to the traditional white and purple alyssum palette, offering gardeners expanded color options for coordinating designs
- 🌱 Sweet alyssum gets its name 'maritima' because it naturally occurs in Mediterranean coastal regions where it thrives in rocky, well-drained seaside soils
- 🌱 The plant self-seeds readily and can return year after year in mild climates if conditions allow; some gardeners consider it a self-perpetuating flower in frost-free zones
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