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Annuals Containers and Baskets

Lobularia

Lobularia Yolo

Lobularia maritima

Also known as: Yolo Sweet Alyssum, Trailing Alyssum

  • Full Sun to Part Sun
  • Medium
  • 10–15 cm
  • 35–50 cm
  • 25–30 cm
  • Low
  • Spiller

Lobularia Yolo is a heat-tolerant trailing sweet alyssum that forms a honey-scented carpet of tiny clustered blooms. It holds a tighter cushion than older alyssum strains and trails elegantly over basket edges, window boxes, and sunny border fronts.

Bloom window
Spring to Fall
Soil
Well-drained, Loam
Native status
Introduced
Growth rate
Fast
Flower colour
White, Purple
Foliage colour
Green
Foliage habit
Deciduous
Landscape use
Border, Container, Groundcover
Attracts
Bees, Butterflies
Resistant to
Drought, Deer

Plant Care Guides

Watering

Lobularia Yolo performs best when the potting mix or bed soil stays evenly moist like a well-wrung sponge during active flowering. Water thoroughly until moisture runs from container drainage holes, or until garden soil is wet through the root zone, then wait until the top 2–3 cm begins to dry before the next full soak. Hanging baskets and elevated planters in Steinbach dry extremely fast in July prairie wind—inspect daily in heat waves, sometimes twice on exposed south exposures. Consistent deep watering beats frequent shallow sprinkles that never reach the full root ball. Always confirm drainage is unobstructed to prevent crown and root rot.

Sunlight

Lobularia Yolo (Lobularia maritima) should be placed in full sun or part sun. Aim for strong morning sun and lighter afternoon conditions—about 4–6 hours of direct light is usually ideal. In Steinbach heatwaves, unfiltered late-afternoon sun can pause flowering or crisp soft foliage, so a site with dappled afternoon relief often outperforms an all-day reflective south wall. Deep shade, however, stretches stems and cuts bloom count sharply. At a mature size around 10–15 cm, give neighbouring plants enough space so they do not shade out the crown as the season progresses.

Pruning

Most modern Lobularia Yolo selections are largely self-cleaning, dropping spent blooms without constant attention. Still, pinch soft tips 1–2 weeks after planting to force lateral branching, and shear plants back by about one-third in midsummer if heat, wind, or storms leave them thin or leggy—fresh growth and a strong late-season flush usually follow within 10–14 days. Strip yellowing lower leaves to keep the canopy neat. Pull plants after the first hard frost and compost only disease-free material.