Iberis 'MASTERPIECE'™ candytuft
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Iberis
The genus Iberis belongs to the mustard family and comprises roughly thirty related species united by the clear legacy of Mediterranean rocky slopes and a set of shared traits: four‑petalled flowers, dry siliques and a tendency towards low, spreading growth. Even so, there are striking differences among them. Perhaps the best‑known, Iberis sempervirens, is a typical evergreen cushion plant that forms continuous white carpets in spring; Iberis saxatilis is a rock‑hugging, even lower species that clings tightly to stone and excels in gravel gardens; Iberis umbellata, often grown as an annual, has more upright stems and a wider range of flower colours; Iberis amara, known as bitter candytuft, is annual or biennial and biologically notable for its asymmetric petals (two are markedly larger), a feature frequently used in genetic studies; and several local endemics, especially those in mountain enclaves, are adapted to very specific substrates. All share a preference for sun, well‑drained, often calcareous soils and the ability to form dense mats that in the wild often resist herbivory thanks to the bitter, pungent secondary compounds typical of the mustard family. In early spring, however, their nectar‑rich flowers serve as an abundant resource for many pollinators. The genus Iberis was formally established by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) in Species Plantarum (1753), though the name itself comes from classical Latin, where it refers to the Iberian Peninsula
Masterpiece™ this candytuft truly is. Originally a ground-covering perennial turned into a strong, bushy and stocky habit plant whose stems are so erect that it looks like a bunch of cut flowers precisely arranged in a vase. The flowers are something extraordinary – the flat inflorescence take up to 6 cm across, and is composed of pure white flowers that fade to light pink. Blooming begins in mid May and may continue into August, as the inventor suggests, if promptly deadheaded. Cut off flower tops after the first flowering which will encourage formation of new flower buds along the stems. A few doses of a selective fertilizer during blooming period will surely help. Leaves are narrowly oblong, 4-5 cm long, mat, medium green. Masterpiece™ is another novelty hybrid from Rodney W.Richards from Hereford, UK, originating as a selection from amongst more iberis species in a trial bed. It was patented in 2011 under PP22,280.
Its requirements and care are straightforward. It needs full sun; otherwise it flowers less and the cushion may loosen. The soil must be well drained, ideally gravelly or sandy, because persistent moisture is the most common cause of failure. Watering is necessary only at planting and for a few weeks afterwards to help it establish, and during prolonged droughts. Feeding is unnecessary; in fact, overly rich soil leads to lusher but less compact growth. Light trimming immediately after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages density. It can be grown in containers if the pot is shallow, wide and very well drained. Wind does not trouble it, but long periods of winter wet do. Candytufts are extremely hardy, tolerating down to −34 °C as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Last update 20-05-2014
