Evergreen candytuft
Iberis sempervirens
Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Sheets of pure white spring blooms over evergreen foliage. Classic rock-garden plant.
On the CSU listlow to medium water8–12 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Iberis sempervirens
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Purity', 'Snowflake'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 8–12 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mounding
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Evergreen candytuft as a groundcover
Evergreen candytuft grows in low mounds. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Evergreen candytuft good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Evergreen candytuft is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Evergreen candytuft get?
- It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Evergreen candytuft?
- Space Evergreen candytuft about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Evergreen candytuft hardy on the Front Range?
- Evergreen candytuft is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Evergreen candytuft need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Evergreen candytuft native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Evergreen candytuft deer-resistant?
- Evergreen candytuft is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Evergreen candytuft a good firewise plant near the house?
- Evergreen candytuft is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Evergreen candytuft?
- Evergreen candytuft isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Will Evergreen candytuft spread or stay put?
- Evergreen candytuft is mounding. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Evergreen candytuft stay green in winter?
- Evergreen candytuft holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- How long does Evergreen candytuft bloom?
- Evergreen candytuft blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
