Iberis saxatilis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Brassicales |
Family: | Brassicaceae |
Genus: | Iberis |
Species: | I. saxatilis
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Binomial name | |
Iberis saxatilis | |
Synonyms | |
Biauricula saxatilis (L.) Bubani |
Iberis saxatilis, the rock candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to southern Europe and northwest Africa. [1] [2] The species is typically used as an ornamental rock and alpine garden perennial plant because of its decorative flowers and cascading growth habit. [1] Iberis is so named because many members of the genus come from the Iberian Peninsula in south west Europe. [1] The species name saxatilis means "growing among rocks," referring to the preferred substrate of this species. [1]
The natural range for this species is Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Balkan Peninsula, the Crimean Peninsula, and Morocco. [1] [2] In 2017, a new subspecies—Iberis saxatilis subsp. magnesiana—was identified in Turkey. [3]
This species is a spreading and low-growing perennial. [1] Depending on the wintertime harshness of its environment, it may be evergreen or semi-evergreen. [1] It produces numerous snowflake-like white flowers, the petals of which take on a pink or purple tinge with age. [1] The plant is able to spread via adventitious rooting of stems that make contact with soil. [1]
Rock candytuft is typically grown in gardens that simulate the rocky alpine conditions of the plant's natural habitat. [1] It thrives and flowers best in full sun with well-drained soil, but will tolerate partial shade. [1] Poorly drained soil often causes crown rot in this species. [1]