Iberis sempervirens Appen-Etz

Iberis sempervirens Appen-Etz is a variety of Candytuft with a low height, characterised by a prostrate growth habit. Its beautiful and abundant spring flowering, in round clusters of bright white flowers, make this vigorous little plant a great companion for rockeries, borders, and sunny planters. It is a subshrub with narrow dark leaves that remain green and decorative throughout the year. Very drought tolerant once established, it can thrive in any type of well-drained soil, even poor and limestone soils. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade.

Iberis sempervirens Appen-Etz is a compact subshrub from the Brassicaceae family, native to Southern Europe, which can reach 15cm (6in) in height and 30cm (12in) in spread. Its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves, depending on the severity of the climate, are dark green, narrow, elongated, and with smooth margins. From April to June, a wave of pure white flower clusters covers the plant. Its 5cm (2in) clusters consist of flowers with 2 pairs of opposite petals, white with brown or yellow stamens, gradually blooming from the outer to the inner part of the cluster. As they fade, the flowers turn pale pink. Depending on the soil moisture, the flowering can sporadically continue until autumn. The Iberis is also very nectar-rich.

A great companion in rockeries, Iberis sempervirens Appen-Etz is hardy down to (-30° C) despite its Mediterranean origin. It thrives in well-drained, light, poor, dry to moist soils. It tolerates limestone well. This plant requires minimal maintenance, which involves removing the flower heads after blooming. Sunny exposures are preferable for its optimal growth. In the garden, it can be used in flowering rockeries, as well as borders or pathways, or to decorate sunny slopes. It can be accompanied by Hebes, Yarrows, Bellflowers, or Sandworts. It can also be cultivated in pots, with regular watering, in a light and well-drained substrate.