How to Grow Alyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash
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Alyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash
Lobularia maritima 'Wonderland Purple Purple Flash'
flowerAlyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash is a compact, mounding annual flower prized for its dense clusters of small, fragrant purple blooms. This cultivar is a dwarf variety that produces prolific flowers throughout the growing season, making it ideal for borders, containers, and edging. It tolerates poor soil and cool weather exceptionally well.
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Example Alyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Alyssum Wonderland Purple Purple Flash blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; grows as cool-season annual in warmer climates
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Germination
7-10 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very delicate appearance
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light immediately. Temperature 60-70°F optimal.
Seedling
10-14 daysTrue leaves develop; plants are still small and fragile with 2-4 true leaves visible
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Reduce watering slightly. Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
10-15 daysCompact mounding form develops with dense foliage; plant reaches mature width and height
Pinch back growing tips once or twice to encourage branching and bushier form. Water moderately. Minimal fertilizer needed.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (extends with deadheading)Abundant small purple flowers bloom in dense clusters; plant becomes smothered in blooms
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water regularly but allow soil surface to dry. Feed sparingly with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Decline
Variable depending on climateFlowering slows in peak heat (above 85°F); plant may look stressed or sparse
Shear back by half in midsummer to rejuvenate plant and promote new blooms as weather cools. Increase watering during extreme heat.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on seedlings; neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove debris where they overwinter
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or fungicide spray; remove infected leaves
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe small purple flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are used as delicate garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They add visual appeal and a subtle sweetness to culinary presentations. [source]
Fragrant Cut Flowers
HouseholdAlyssum produces sweetly scented flowers that are excellent for fresh arrangements and can perfume an entire room. The fragrance intensifies in warm weather and makes them popular for cutting gardens. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe flowers dry well and retain their color when properly dried, making them suitable for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. They maintain their delicate structure through the drying process. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeAlyssum flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their abundant nectar production. They are particularly valuable for supporting early-season pollinators in spring. [source]
Border and Edging Plantings
HouseholdThe compact, mounding habit makes it ideal for defining garden beds, creating living borders along pathways, and cascading over container edges. It provides visual structure while softening landscape lines. [source]
Harvest Tips
Alyssum is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Pinch or deadhead spent flower clusters to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut stems for fragrant fresh arrangements when fully open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alyssum gets its common name 'Sweet Alyssum' from its delightfully fragrant flowers, which release their sweet honey-like scent most strongly in the evening and on warm days.
- 🌱 This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many parts of the world; it was historically used in Greek and Roman gardens for its aromatic qualities.
- 🌱 Alyssum is incredibly cold-hardy compared to other annual flowers and can often survive light frosts, making it one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and last into fall.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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