Candytuft, or Iberis sempervirens, is a beautiful white flower that can be found in a variety of gardens. Usually found in the bright color of white, the blossoms are accented with yellow dots, providing a sweet contrast within the dark green of the foliage. They are a low-reaching perennial evergreen that cover edges and borders in spring and early summer.
Etymology
The scientific name of Iberis sempervirens originates from two Greek words; Iberis meaning “from the river Ibar”, and sempervirens meaning “evergreen”. The alternate old common name, “Wild Balsam”, finds its etymology from from the Latin family name for the species, BALSAMINACEAE.
How to Plant
Candytuft can be successfully planted and grown both indoors, as well as outdoors, with an overall appreciation for warm climates. When planting outdoors, it prefers a location in full sun. When planting it in a pot, a site that is semi-shaded, or receives bright indirect sunlight, is appropriate. The soil should be well draining and nutrient rich, with a slightly acidic pH balance of 5.5 to 7.0. Fertilize the plant with a slow-release pesticide once in the springtime. Water regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.
Meaning & Symbolism
Candytuft carries symbolism of rage, or uncontrolled emotions. Greek myth mentions Poseidon and Athena’s argument over who would become the ruler of Athens by testing who could create the most remarkable animal. Athena created the first olive tree, which was seen as a symbol of peace and prosperity, while Poseidon’s creation of the first horse was seen as a symbol of strength and courage. As a result of the upset Poseidon created from his anger, white foam appeared from the waves of the sea. This led to the naming of the plant “sea foam”, and eventually, candytuft.
History, Mythology and Religious Significance
In ancient Greek culture, Iberis sempervirens was attributed to gods, or said to be the protective plants of deities. In the story of Poseidon and Athena, previously mentioned, one of the plants that grew from the mix of the white sea foam and land was Iberis sempervirens. Its beauty was seen as a symbol of peace and prosperity. Furthermore, Iberis sempervirens were used to make rituals and temples look more beautiful and divine. Additionally, in the Bible, Psalm 45:12 mentions the mentioning of “all types of Iberis flowers” as part of the decorations of Solomon’s throne.
Flower Varieties & their Defining Characteristics
The Iberis sempervirens flower comes in several varieties, each of them differentiated by its unique characteristics. These varieties include: Iberis sempervirens ‘Snowflake Silver’, which has lacy green foliage and white flowers; Iberis sempervirens ‘Candy Curls’, with its charming patterns of curled and pointed leaves; Iberis sempervirens ‘Raspberry Fluff’, which is characterized by soft, small-leaved mounds with pink flowers; and Iberis sempervirens ‘Durham’s Blush’, which has white petals flushed with light pink, especially in early summer.
Iberis sempervirens is classified as a perennial flower. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years, whereas an annual lives for one season only and a biennial for two seasons. As a perennial, Iberis sempervirens has a very difficult life cycle, blooming in the late winter and spring and then dying back in the autumn and replenishing in the following spring.
How to Pot and Repot
When transplanting Iberis sempervirens, you’ll want to make sure that the soil is well-drained and nutrient-rich. You’ll also want to ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 7.0. You need to see that the new pot is of the appropriate size, with a minimum of two extra inches in the width and length of the new pot. When transferring the plant, use your fingers to gently take it out of the pot. Carefully shake off the old potting soil, and place the plant into it’s new container. Finally, fill the remainder of the pot with fresh potting soil, lightly press the soil around the plant, and water the plant regularly for the first few weeks to help the root system adjust.
How To Prune
It is important to remember that the purpose of pruning is to maintain the health and vigor of Iberis sempervirens plants, to enhance their beauty, and to encourage profuse blooming. Pruning can be done in the spring and early summer, particularly when new growth begins to form. Pruning should be done when the plant is still in its early-growth stages. A good pair of sharp garden scissors can be used to prune and shape the plant’s flowers and foliage. To refresh the overall appearance of the flower, simply prune off any dead or broken branches. Pruning can be done to create a desired shape and size, but it is important not to over-prune the plant.
How To Propagate
Propagation of Iberis sempervirens is an ideal way to get free copies of your favorite plants. The simplest way to propagate Iberis sempervirens is through stem cutting. To do this, use sharp, clean scissors to cut a stem from the main plant, being sure to include three or four leaf nodes with the cutting. Once the stem is cut, submerge it in water and let it stand at room temperature until roots start to form. When the roots reach a length of two or three inches, it can be planted in its own pot or in the ground.
Common Pests & Diseases
Iberis sempervirens is an incredibly low-maintenance plant that is rarely afflicting by pests and plant diseases. The most common pests and diseases encountered are aphids, mites, and leaf spot. To combat these, you can use organic-based treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are both effective at deterring these small pests and as such, it is important to inspect your plants for signs of them regularly. To prevent the spread of diseases, you should also avoid wetting the leaves of your Iberis sempervirens plants, and maintain good air circulation around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can Iberis sempervirens live?
A: Iberis sempervirens is a perennial flower, meaning it is capable of living for more than two years.
Q: What factors should I consider when planting Iberis sempervirens?
A: When planting Iberis sempervirens, you should consider the appropriate soil conditions, such as drainage, nutrient-rich soil, and a slightly acidic soil pH balance. Additionally, you should also consider the appropriate sunlight, water, temperature and humidity levels for the area where you would like to plant the flower.
Q: How often should Iberis sempervirens be fertilized?
A: When fertilizing Iberis sempervirens, use a slow-release fertilizer once in the springtime.
Table: Fact Sheet
| Name | Candytuft Iberis sempervirens |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun or Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining Soil |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Bloom Time | Late Winter – Spring |
| Flower Color | White with Yellow Dots |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
| Native Area | Europe, North Africa, and West Asia |
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