Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Evergreen Candytuft

Iberis sempervirens

Clusters of white blooms carpet evergreen foliage, a cheerful spring groundcover. Evergreen perennial shrub; common name: Evergreen Candytuft.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray for seaside plantings
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; tolerates moderate summer heat, avoid prolonged extreme high temperatures above 38°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear to oblong evergreen leaves, glossy dark green, 2–4 cm long
  • Flower: Dense, flat-topped clusters of tiny white four-petaled blooms, lightly fragrant
  • Stem: Woody, trailing stems form a low, spreading mat
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during the flowering season to support bloom production

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced feed once immediately after flowering. Use organic, low-nitrogen feed to prevent leggy growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and gently work into top layer to boost calcium levels without burning roots
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to maintain neat growth and encourage potential late-spring rebloom
  • Trim back leggy stems by one-third after flowering to preserve compact mat shape
  • Remove damaged or discolored foliage in early spring to refresh plant growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: In floriography, symbolizes sweetness and indifference

Usage: Groundcover, rock garden plant, border edging, coastal landscape planting