Iberis 'Snowsation' is a compact evergreen candytuft known for its profusion of bright white blooms that blanket the plant in early to mid spring. Its tidy mounding habit and glossy green foliage provide year round interest even after flowering has finished.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; prefers occasional deep watering once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to bitter foliage
Native Status
Derived from Iberis sempervirens, a Mediterranean native, 'Snowsation' is a cultivar bred for uniform bloom and compact growth. Though not native to North America, it is well adapted to a wide range of temperate garden settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Early nectar source for solitary bees, honeybees, and mason bees emerging from winter dormancy.
Butterflies
- Visited by early season butterflies such as Spring Azure and Cabbage White for nectar.
Beneficial Insects
- Clusters of small flowers attract hoverflies and tachinid flies that help suppress aphid populations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart for low edging or ground hugging drifts that unify the garden edge.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rock gardens, raised beds, retaining walls, or as a border front where it softens hardscape edges with cascading white blooms.
Companion Plants
- Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) - Creeping habit and violet blooms harmonize with Iberis in sunny, well drained conditions.
- Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' - Mounded purple blue blooms form a spring carpet that contrasts beautifully with the pure white of 'Snowsation'.
- Armeria maritima 'Splendens' - Neat tufts of grass like foliage and pink flower globes echo the tidy shape and low stature of Iberis.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Soft lavender flowers rise above grassy leaves and add edible interest to rock gardens and border edges.
- Sedum spurium 'Dragon’s Blood' - Burgundy tinged foliage and pink red flowers trail around Iberis for extended summer interest.