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Annual Biennial

Iberis amara
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

wild candytuft

A variable, upright, branched annual about 45cm tall, with spoon-shaped dark green leaves to 8cm long, and small lightly-scented purplish-white or white flowers are produced in large, domed racemes to 15cm long, in summer

Other common names
bitter candytuft
clown's mustard
see moresciatica cress
wild candytuft
rocket
Synonyms
Iberis forestieri
Iberis amara subsp. forestieri
see moreIberis sabauda
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted, Spreading branched
Genus

Iberis can be annuals, evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs, with narrow leaves and racemes of white, pink or purple flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to club root

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