Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’ Seeds (Lobularia maritima) – Compact fragrant flowers that attract pollinators; great for edging & hanging baskets.

Minimum: 100+ Seeds

Transform your garden into a fragrant sea of color with Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’ (Lobularia maritima), a low-growing, long-blooming flower beloved for its masses of rosy-lavender blooms, sweet honey fragrance, and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. This compact variety creates a soft carpet of color that spills gracefully over borders, rock walls, and containers, making it one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow annuals for gardeners of all levels.

Native to the Mediterranean region, Alyssum thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions, bringing a continuous display of blooms from early spring until frost. Whether planted as a colorful edging along walkways or cascading from hanging baskets, ‘Rosie Purple’ adds charm, fragrance, and ecological value to every corner of your landscape.

🌱 Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima

• Common Names: Sweet Alyssum, Rosie Purple Alyssum, Carpet Flower

• Plant Type: Annual (can self-seed in mild climates)

• Height: 4–8 inches tall

• Spread: 10–12 inches wide

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Watering: Moderate; prefers even moisture but tolerates short dry periods

• Bloom Period: Early spring through fall

• USDA Hardiness: Grown as an annual in all zones; may overwinter in zones 9–11

• Fragrance: Sweet, honey-like aroma that intensifies in the evening

🌼 Why Grow Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’?

Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’ is a gardener’s favorite for its continuous bloom cycle, low-maintenance growth, and irresistible fragrance. Its dense clusters of small, pinkish-purple flowers form a lush mat that suppresses weeds and brightens garden edges.

As a pollinator magnet, it’s a natural companion for vegetables and flowering plants alike, attracting bees, hoverflies, and butterflies that help boost garden productivity. The nectar-rich flowers also provide an early food source for beneficial insects, making it a top pick for eco-friendly gardens and sustainable landscapes.

🌿 How to Grow Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’ from Seed

1. Sow Indoors (6–8 Weeks Before Last Frost):
   Start seeds in trays filled with light seed-starting mix. Gently press the seeds onto the surface, do not cover, as Alyssum seeds need light to germinate. Maintain a temperature of 65–70°F. Germination occurs within 7–14 days.

2. Transplanting Outdoors:
   Harden off seedlings after the last frost. Space plants 6–8 inches apart in full sun to part shade.

3. Direct Sowing (After Frost):
   Scatter seeds directly on well-prepared soil, lightly pressing them into the surface. Water gently and keep moist until germination.

4. Care & Maintenance:

   • Water regularly to keep soil moist, but avoid soggy conditions.

   • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

   • In hot climates, provide light afternoon shade to prolong blooming.

   • Trim lightly midseason to refresh plants and promote new growth.

🌸 Design & Companion Planting Ideas

‘Rosie Purple’ pairs beautifully with a wide range of flowers and edibles. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for:

• Borders & Pathways: Creates a soft, colorful edge that brightens garden lines.

• Containers & Hanging Baskets: Cascades gracefully for a full, romantic look.

• Rock Gardens & Terraces: Thrives in well-drained soils and sunny spots.

• Vegetable Gardens: Acts as a natural pollinator attractor when planted near crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Companion Plants: Petunias, pansies, snapdragons, marigolds, lobelia, dusty miller, and lavender.

🐝 Pollinator & Ecological Benefits

Few plants are as beneficial to the garden ecosystem as Alyssum. The sweet fragrance and abundant nectar draw honeybees, hoverflies, and butterflies, while also attracting predatory insects such as lacewings and ladybugs that help control aphids and pests. Alyssum’s long blooming season provides a consistent food source for pollinators, making it a cornerstone for bee-friendly gardens and integrated pest management systems.

🌺 Garden Uses

• Edging & Ground Cover: Excellent for framing flower beds and walkways.

• Containers & Window Boxes: Adds a cascading effect and fragrance to patios and balconies.

• Hanging Baskets: Soft trailing growth complements trailing petunias or ivy geraniums.

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and beneficial insects all season.

• Companion Planting: Boosts vegetable yield by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

🌞 Tips for Success

✅ Choose a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
✅ Keep soil lightly moist during germination and flowering.
✅ Deadhead and trim lightly to maintain a compact, tidy appearance.
✅ Avoid over-fertilizing, too much nitrogen encourages leaves over flowers.
✅ Allow a few flowers to go to seed at the end of the season for natural reseeding next spring.

💜 Why Gardeners Love It

• Honey-sweet scent that perfumes the entire garden.

• Continuous blooms from spring through fall.

• Low-growing habit perfect for edging and ground cover.

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.

• Thrives in containers and hanging baskets.

• Fast-growing and easy to maintain, even for beginners.

🌸 Summary

The Alyssum ‘Rosie Purple’ (Lobularia maritima) is a classic favorite that combines beauty, fragrance, and function. Its masses of tiny, rosy-purple blossoms fill your garden with color and a sweet honey aroma while providing vital nectar to pollinators. Ideal for borders, baskets, and ground cover, this versatile annual ensures a vibrant, living carpet of blooms from spring through fall, perfect for creating a garden that’s both visually stunning and ecologically rich.