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Iberis amara

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
eye-BEER-is a-MAH-rah
Description

Rocket candytuft is an ornamental, occasionally wild annual in the mustard (Brassicaceae) family. It is native to western and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa. The species epithet amara (from the Latin word amarus) refers to its bitter flavor. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It can grow well in poor nutrient or alkaline soils. Produces fewer flowers in partial shade. Found in yards, roadsides, and disturbed sites.

Seasons of Interest:

   Bloom: Summer, July-August

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#full sun tolerant#annuals#lilac#white flowers#wildlife plant#pink flowers#nectar plant#rabbit resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#spring interest#alkaline soils tolerant#poor soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#full sun tolerant#annuals#lilac#white flowers#wildlife plant#pink flowers#nectar plant#rabbit resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#spring interest#alkaline soils tolerant#poor soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Iberis
    Species:
    amara
    Family:
    Brassicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    western and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers are pollinated by bees.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Ground Cover
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Samara
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Irregular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Corolla is irregular, white to light violet. Petals 4, of which 2 outermost long (6 mm (0.24 in.), and 2 innermost short (3 mm (0.12 in.)). Sepals 4, stamens 6. Flowers fragrant, inflorescence initially dense, becoming more sparse in fruiting stage. Flowers in July-August.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, lowest soon withering, middle and upper leaves stalkless, narrowly obovate, sparse-toothed at tip (sometimes with short margins), margin sparsely hairy, 3-veined.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Poor Soil
    Rabbits