How to Grow Alyssum Wonderland Lavender Blue
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Alyssum Wonderland Lavender Blue
Lobularia maritima 'Wonderland Lavender Blue'
flowerA compact, mounding annual flower cultivar of sweet alyssum featuring delicate lavender-blue blooms. It produces abundant small flowers throughout the growing season and is prized for its long-lasting color, fragrance, and ability to bloom continuously from spring through fall. This variety is particularly popular for edgings, containers, and groundcover applications.
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Example Alyssum Wonderland Lavender Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alyssum Wonderland Lavender Blue
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 Lavender Blue blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; may self-seed and return in zones 9-11
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with tiny cotyledons and develop true leaves. Very delicate and small.
Keep soil warm (65-70°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light immediately; use grow lights if needed. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and foliage in a compact, mounding form. Bushy growth with numerous small pinnate leaves.
Pinch back growing tips when 2-3 inches tall to encourage branching and compact form. Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Fertilize weekly with dilute balanced fertilizer.
Budding
1-2 weeksTiny flower buds form at the tips of stems, appearing as small green clusters.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Ensure adequate sunlight to promote bud development. Do not overwater at this stage.
Flowering
6-10+ weeks from first bloom; continuous until frostAbundant delicate lavender-blue flowers open in dense clusters. Flowers are tiny, honey-scented, and cover the plant almost entirely.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at the base. Provide consistent moisture for best bloom production. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if growth becomes too vegetative.
Decline & End of Season
Variable; extends until frost or extreme conditionsFlowers fade and reduce in number as temperatures drop or heat becomes extreme. Plant may decline in hot summers or after first hard frost.
Cut back plant by half in mid-summer to refresh and encourage reblooming in fall. In mild climates, plant may persist. Remove when killed by frost or desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap on undersides of leaves.
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water; use miticides if severe. Neem oil also effective.
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Hand-pick, especially at night. Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Remove debris and shelter.
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Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Garden Edging & Borders
OrnamentalThe compact, mounding form of Wonderland Lavender Blue makes it ideal for creating neat borders along pathways and garden edges. Its continuous lavender-blue flowers provide season-long color definition. [source]
Fresh & Dried Arrangements
CraftDelicate flower clusters are perfect for cutting gardens and fresh floral arrangements. Flowers can be dried and pressed for dried flower crafts and botanical displays. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeAlyssum flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. The nectar-rich flowers provide essential food sources for pollinators. [source]
Container & Window Box Planting
OrnamentalPerfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens. The trailing tendency and abundant flowers make it ideal for vertical gardening and small spaces. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinarySweet alyssum flowers are technically edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They can garnish salads and desserts, though more commonly grown for ornamental than culinary use. [source]
Harvest Tips
Alyssum is grown for flowers, not harvested for food. Cut flower clusters for fresh arrangements when fully open but buds still visible. Cut in early morning. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season to extend flowering and maintain attractive appearance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'sweet alyssum,' this plant is actually in the Lobularia genus, not the Alyssum genus. True alyssum is typically white and in the Alyssum saxatile group.
- 🌱 Alyssum flowers release a subtle honey-like fragrance that becomes stronger during warm parts of the day and attracts significant pollinator activity.
- 🌱 The 'Wonderland' series was specifically bred for compact growth and continuous blooming, making it ideal for bedding and container use compared to older, more sprawling varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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