How to Grow Alyssum Wonderland Apricot
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Alyssum Wonderland Apricot
Lobularia maritima 'Wonderland Apricot'
flowerAlyssum Wonderland Apricot is a compact, low-growing annual flower renowned for its delicate apricot-colored blooms and sweet fragrance. This cultivar produces dense clusters of tiny flowers that bloom prolifically from spring through fall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets. The plant is extremely easy to grow and attracts pollinators while being deer and rabbit resistant.
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Example Alyssum Wonderland Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alyssum Wonderland Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Alyssum Wonderland Apricot blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in cold climates, can persist year-round in warmer zones
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Get my Alyssum Wonderland Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge within 5-10 days with delicate true leaves appearing shortly after. Plants are very fragile at this stage.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F for best germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and dense leaf coverage. Growth is rapid and compact if given adequate light.
Begin fertilizing weekly with balanced fertilizer once plants have 4 true leaves. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and good air circulation.
Budding & Early Bloom
2-3 weeksFirst flower clusters (umbels) begin to form at stem tips. Buds are tiny and tightly clustered, gradually transitioning from green to apricot color.
Continue regular feeding with a diluted bloom-booster fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Ensure adequate water during this active growth phase.
Full Flowering
8-12 weeks (continuous with deadheading)Plant is covered in dense clusters of apricot-colored, tiny fragrant flowers creating a mounding display. Blooms cover most visible foliage.
Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to extend blooming season. Water consistently and feed every 2-3 weeks. In intense heat, provide afternoon shade and increase watering frequency.
Late Season & Decline
Variable, until frost or season endAs temperatures cool in fall or approaching first frost, blooming slows and plant may become leggy or sparse. In warm climates, plant may persist and reflush with cooler weather.
Stop fertilizing in fall. Reduce watering as growth slows. Consider replanting for spring blooms in cold climates or cut back severely in mild climates to rejuvenate.
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Hand-pick at dusk; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; set beer traps
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur-based fungicide or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves
Uses
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe delicate apricot blooms and sweet fragrance make this alyssum excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and floral designs. Small sprigs can fill gaps in arrangements and add texture. [source]
Container & Hanging Basket Display
HouseholdThe compact, mounding growth habit makes this cultivar ideal for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and planters where it cascades gracefully and produces abundant color all season. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSweet alyssum is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Dried Flower Craft
CraftFlower clusters can be dried and used in dried arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, and craft projects while retaining much of their fragrance and delicate apricot color. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, alyssum flowers are technically edible and can garnish salads, desserts, and beverages for delicate flavor and visual appeal, though this is not their primary use. [source]
Harvest Tips
Alyssum Wonderland Apricot is not harvested for food but rather deadheaded for ornamental purposes. Pinch or cut off spent flower clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut clusters can be used in small fresh arrangements and provide fragrance. Deadhead just below the spent flower cluster, leaving some foliage intact.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'alyssum,' this plant is scientifically classified as Lobularia, not Alyssum. The name change occurred when botanists reorganized the plant family, but the common name persisted in horticultural use.
- 🌱 Sweet alyssum produces intense fragrance disproportionate to its tiny flower size, and this scent intensifies in warm weather and attracts bees from considerable distances away.
- 🌱 The 'Wonderland' series was specifically bred for compact, mounding growth habits making them superior to older alyssum varieties for containers and ornamental display.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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