Alyssum

Alyssum

Alyssum argenteum
A dense, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 1.5 x 1.5 feet, that is native to southern Europe.
The narrow foliage is silvery-gray.
The bright yellow flowers are borne mid to late summer.

Alyssum montanum ( Mountain Gold )
A fast growing, low, compact, mat-forming groundcover perennial, reaching up to 4 ( usually under 2 ) inches x 2 feet, that is native to eastern Europe.
It looks great in rock gardens or planted in stone walls.
The aromatic foliage is hairy gray-green.
The profuse, fragrant, bright yellow flowers are borne during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( 3 with snow protection ) in full sun to partial shade on sandy, well drained soil. Loves heat and is drought tolerant. Shear off old blooms after flowering.

'Mountain Gold'
Profuse bright-yellow flowers, otherwise similar.

Alyssum saxatile ( Basket of Gold )
Also called Aurinia saxatilis. A vigorous, carpet-forming, semi-evergreen perennial, reaching up to 20 inches x 5 + feet ( usually closer to half that ) in size. It is generally used to trail over walls or over the sides of large containers.
The leaves, up to 5 ( usually much shorter ) inches in length, are gray-green.
The very abundant bright golden-yellow flowers are borne during mid to late spring. If deadheaded, it may bloom sporadically during summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on light, well drained soil. Excessive wetness can kill, it is moderately drought tolerant. Shear hard after blooming or it will become leggy and thin. Alyssum is usually deer and rabbit resistant. Propagation is from seed during early spring or cuttings though most cultivars are grown from cuttings only.

* photo taken on May 2 2015 in Harford Co., MD

* historic archive photo

* photo taken on Apr 27 2018 in Columbia, MD

* video found on Youtube


Citrinum'
Also called 'Sulphurea'. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 15 inches x 2 feet, with grayish-green foliage and paler pink flowers

'Compactum'
More compact in habit, reaching a maximum height of 1 foot, with abundant, bright yellow flowers.

* photos taken on Apr 10 2012 in Columbia, MD

'Dudley Neville Variegated'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 1 x 1.5 feet, with attractive leaves, up to 5 inches in length, that are gray-green with creamy-white variegation. Flowers are pale yellow. It is grown from cuttings only and stems with all green foliage must be pruned out if they occur.

'Summit'

* photo taken on April 10 2012 in Columbia, MD


'Sunny Border Apricot'
Flowers are orangish-yellow; otherwise similar.

Alyssum wulfenianum 'Golden Spring' ( Mountain Alyssum )
A moderate growing, low, spreading perennial, reaching up to 0.5 x 1.7 feet. It is evergreen in mild climates.
The oblanceolate leaves are up to 1 x 0.2 inches in size. The foliage is gray-green.
The golden-yellow flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2.5 x 1.1 inches in size, from early to late spring. The flowers are among the largest of any Alyssum.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun on sandy, very well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant.

* photo taken on Apr 4 2016 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Apr 5 2023 in Elkridge, MD