Often regarded as one of our more humble bedding plants, the annual white Alyssum now looks set to become a "star". The prestigious Fleuroselect organisations, responsible for trialling new flower varieties throughout Europe, has awarded a Medal to Alyssum Snow Crystals. Its more notable feature is the size of the individual flowers, which measure 0.5 cm (1/4 in.) across - considerably larger than those of older varieties. Snow Crystals produces a mass of these blooms from June until September.

In detail

Whilst being ideal for ground cover and edging, the traditional uses of this ever-popular flower, Snow Crystals is also very suited to hanging baskets, windowboxes and tubs, where the remarkable size of the flowerheads can be appreciated to the full. Alyssum is certainly one of the most accommodating of annuals, and does well either in full sun or partial shade. If sown in gentle warmth during February and March, germination usually takes under two weeks. Seed of Snow Crystals can also be bought from bedding plant growers at planting time. Snow Crystals is a striking new strain, whose flower size is sure to delight gardeners. Snow Crystals is a most versatile strain. Splendid for edging and virtually all container work, it remains smothered in blooms from early summer until the autumn.