Iberis 'Purity' is a compact evergreen perennial prized for its early bloom and dense mats of dark green foliage. In spring it becomes blanketed in brilliant white flowers that create a striking contrast against rock walls, pathways, or borders. Its low growing tidy habit makes it ideal for edging and ground cover in sunny well drained sites, and its tough constitution allows it to tolerate poor soils and drought once established.
Height & Spread: 8 - 10 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, even gravelly soils; dislikes wet winter conditions
Watering Needs: Low; water occasionally in prolonged drought
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to leathery foliage and low profile
Native Status
Iberis 'Purity' is a cultivar of Iberis sempervirens, a species native to southern Europe. It is not native to North America but is well adapted for ornamental use in temperate climates.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides early nectar for honeybees and native bees like Andrena and Halictus species when few other plants are in bloom.
Butterflies
- Attracts spring flying butterflies such as Spring Azure and American Lady to its profuse white blooms.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws syrphid flies and small predatory wasps that help suppress aphid populations in rock gardens and borders.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart to allow the foliage to knit into a low continuous mat.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent along stone pathways, rock walls, alpine gardens, or in containers where its trailing habit and early flowers can be appreciated up close.
Companion Plants
- Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' - Low blue flowering ground cover blooms around the same time and offers a bold color contrast.
- Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen' - Early blooming, compact allium with broad leaves and white flowers that echo Iberis' purity.
- Phlox subulata 'Emerald Pink' - Mat forming with vivid color that harmonizes with Iberis in sunny slopes or borders.
- Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) - Tufted clumps and pink ball like flowers add charm and texture near Iberis plantings.
- Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' - Bright yellow foliage and drought tolerance make this a colorful year round companion for sunny edges.