How to Grow Alyssum Wonderland

Alyssum Wonderland

Lobularia maritima 'Wonderland'

flower

Alyssum Wonderland is a compact, mounding annual flower celebrated for its abundant clusters of tiny, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and rose. This cultivar produces dense, carpet-like growth perfect for edging, containers, and groundcover applications. It blooms prolifically from spring through frost with minimal deadheading required.

Looking for a specific variety?

Wonderland Pink Wonderland Purple Wonderland White Wonderland Rose Wonderland Lavender Blue

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates)

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Water: Moderate and consistent watering; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Drought-tolerant once established, but flowering is best with regular moisture. Reduce watering in cooler months.

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Spacing: 6-8 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-45 days from transplant to first bloom

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Planting depth: Seeds surface-sown or lightly pressed into soil (1/16 inch depth); transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost for organic matter Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid heavy fertilization; use balanced, dilute fertilizer if needed

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-10; can be grown as a cool-season annual in hot climates (zones 9-10)

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days. First true leaves are narrow and linear.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings or transplant when true leaves appear.

Vegetative Growth

14-21 days

Plant develops a mounding, bushy form with dense foliage. Stems branch profusely and spread outward.

Pinch back growing tips when 2-3 inches tall to encourage fuller, bushier growth. Water regularly and ensure good air circulation. Begin hardening off if grown indoors before transplanting outdoors.

Budding & Early Flowering

7-14 days

Flower buds cluster at branch tips, creating tight, packed rosettes. First tiny flowers appear in characteristic dense racemes.

Maintain consistent moisture and moderate fertility. Flowers benefit from cooler nights (50-65°F). Provide full sun for maximum bloom production.

Peak Flowering

6-10 weeks (spring through early summer and fall until frost)

Plant is covered with continuous clusters of fragrant, four-petaled flowers. Mounding form becomes a solid dome of color.

Deadheading is minimal but optional; spent flower clusters can be lightly sheared. Continue regular watering and provide afternoon shade in intense heat (above 85°F) to extend blooming.

Decline & End of Season

Variable; frost-tender

Flowering slows during peak summer heat (especially in zones 8+). Plants may decline with the first hard frost.

In cool climates, plants often reflower in fall with cooler temperatures. In hot areas, provide afternoon shade and extra water to maintain blooms. Annual plants will die after frost; collect seeds for next year if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Snapdragons Violas Dusty Miller Marigolds Petunias Bacopa Diascia Calendula

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring very dry conditions Plants susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions (though Alyssum itself is fairly resistant)

Common Pests

Row covers on seedlings; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestations appear; rarely severe on established plants
Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or baking soda spray; remove infected leaves
Increase humidity and water spraying; neem oil; miticide if severe; more common in very hot, dry conditions

Uses

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Edible Garnish & Flower

Culinary

Alyssum flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet honey-like flavor. Use as a delicate garnish on salads, desserts, and cocktails for visual appeal and subtle flavor. [source]

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Fragrant Cut Flowers & Fresh Arrangements

Household

The flowers are intensely fragrant and make excellent cut flowers for bouquets, nosegays, and floral arrangements. Their sweet scent naturally perfumes indoor spaces. [source]

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Garden Design & Edging

Craft

The compact, mounding form and dense flowering make Alyssum Wonderland ideal for creating colorful borders, edging pathways, and filling containers. Its low growth habit creates clean landscape lines. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Alyssum is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The abundant nectar and pollen support beneficial insect populations throughout the growing season. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, Lobularia species have been used in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory support and as a diuretic, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested. For seed collection, allow flowers to fade and dry on the plant; small seed pods will mature in 4-6 weeks. Collect dried pods, crush, and store seeds in cool, dry conditions for next year's sowing.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'alyssum' derives from the Greek 'a' (without) and 'lyssa' (madness), as ancient herbalists believed the plant cured rage and madness.
🌱 Alyssum Wonderland's compact 'Wonderland' series was specifically bred for container growing and has become one of the most popular bedding plant cultivars worldwide.
🌱 A single plant can produce thousands of tiny flowers over a season, with blooms continuously replacing spent flowers when conditions are favorable.

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