Alyssum Royal Carpet

(Lobularia maritima)

This dark violet variety has a very dwarf creeping habit and is ideal for edging, rockeries and window boxes. A hardy annual, it will grow well in any normal soil but prefers a sunny position.

When to plant: Year round.
How to grow: Sow direct in the garden in clumps 5mm (quarter-inch) deep and 7-10cm (3-4in) apart. Later thin if necessary. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Feed regularly with liquid fertiliser to promote flowering over a long period. Cut back all spent flowers.
Flowering: 8 weeks from sowing.