Iberis sempervirens Snowflake

The Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake' is a small, particularly robust and resistant evergreen ground cover plant, persistent in winter, which literally becomes covered with white flowers from early spring. It forms attractive cushions all year round and allows easy greening of places where the soil lacks thickness: rockeries, borders, low walls, and joints between paving stones. Very drought-resistant once well established, this variety also withstands cold winters.  It prefers the sun but tolerates partial shade well in very sunny regions.

The Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake', also known as Thlaspi, Tabouret or Corbeille d'Argent, is a subshrub of the Brassicaceae family. The botanical species is native to the Mediterranean region. This plant therefore copes perfectly with heat and drought once well established. 'Snowflake' is a particularly floriferous horticultural selection. This cultivar produces larger and denser inflorescences, with clusters of bright white flowers, almost completely covering the plant in spring. Its leaves are also wider and tougher than those of the species type, giving it a more robust appearance. The 'Snowflake' cultivar is also known for its more regular growth and compact habit. Its foliage consists of numerous small, dark green, glossy, evergreen leaves. They are carried by woody stems forming a dense cushion 25 cm high and spreading at least 40 cm. The vegetation is covered between March and May with heads of pure white flowers with four petals measuring 2 to 5 cm in diameter. Depending on the soil moisture, flowering can sporadically continue until autumn. It is very easy to propagate by taking stem cuttings in spring or late summer. The Iberis is also very attractive to bees.

The evergreen Thlaspi 'Snowflake' can be planted in all regions, provided the soil remains well-drained. A heavy soil quickly causes the plant to deteriorate. On the other hand, a stony or rocky soil does not faze it. You can use it to accentuate pathways, planted en masse. In a rockery, you can combine it with golden baskets, small Teucrium, aubriets, Erodium, thymes... or even perennial salvias. Growing in pots is entirely possible, with regular watering in a light and well-drained substrate.