Iberis sempervirens, commonly known as Candytuft, are a true garden jewel in the cold miserable long months of winter. This gem of a plant is the cornerstone of my own winter garden. Sadly, they are not as popular as they 64should be, and every single garden should have them. You can never have enough candytufts.
When everything else in the garden is in a deep sleep, dormant, barren of leaves and flowers and a whole lot of ugly has set in, is when they shine so brightly. Candytuft possesses flowers of the most luminous and magical, the purest, the clearest, the crispest of sparkling snow whites. Their other great attribute are their small rich glossy dark green evergreen leaves. The plant naturally grows into lovely, neat, small rounded shaped evergreen cushions or mounds. Their foliage and shape provide essential evergreen garden structure in winter and indeed right throughout the whole year. Their shape merrily conjures up images of Miss Muffett’s tuffet. Iberis are slightly fragrant, but you would have to get on your hands and knees, or possibly completely horizontal on the ground, to fully appreciate their delicate scent.
History
Iberis include annuals, biennials, hardy perennials, and dwarf evergreen shrubs. They originate from Iberia, the ancient name for Spain, hence its name, and also across the Mediterranean regions and northwards to Central Europe, where they naturally grow wild in abundance. I also have an endearing white flowering biennial, which I adore. However, it is difficult to grow, because it abhors hot summer sun, but very thankfully, it self-seeds prodigiously. There is alsoa very pale purple flowered variety, not very common or popular. For me its colour is a bit murky and confused, not quite this hue, or that hue. In comparison the original white flowering variety easily outshines and eclipses it.
Cultivation
Like all plants a good soil is ideal, but in my experience, they will grow in any soil. Iberis appreciate an annual good light pruning after flowering in late spring and if you are inclined and have the time an occasional trim in summer to keep the mounds tight and tidy. In hot climates they prefer to be shaded from the harsh afternoon summer sun.
Landscaping
In relation to design, with their small rich green foliage and tight shaped growth, they look superb in rhythmic mounds in a single long line. Even better, if you have the space, a mass planting of three or more deep as well in length can create a stunning landscaping design, If not, just a single specimen will still reward you with great pleasure. I have never lost one, touch wood, either to frost, severe heat, drought or lack of care and maintenance. they are the great survivors.
Iberis are available in nurseries all year round. Out of season you can find them in small pots, larger ones when they are triumphantly in winter flower. So do yourself and your garden a big favour and get one or more as soon as you can. Their rewards are many and one you will never regret it.
Happy gardening and have fun,
Regards Ned McDowell.