The maritime alder or lobularia maritima It is one of the most appreciated and easy-to-grow plants in gardens of all kinds. This species, native to the Mediterranean and the Macaronesia Islands, stands out for its resistance, its prolonged and showy flowering and ability to thrive in different conditions. It's a perfect choice for both gardening beginners and those who want a garden full of color, scent, and wildlife, with little maintenance effort.
Description and Characteristics of the Maritime Alder
lobularia maritima It is recognized for forming low, rounded bushes between 10 and 40 centimeters high, although most varieties grown in gardens are around 15 to 25 centimetersThe plant develops dense foliage, with small, elongated, oval and green leaves, although some varieties have shades whitish or silvery.
Its main attraction lies in the enormous profusion of small flowers grouped in clusters or terminal inflorescencesThese flowers can be white, lilac, pink, mauve or even yellow, and they release a intense honey aroma which is irresistible to humans as well as bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. In fact, it's common for the foliage to be almost completely hidden under its floral canopy during peak blooming months.
Remarkable Features:
- Perennial, annual, or short perennial plant depending on the climate.
- Usual height: 15-25 cm (up to 40 cm in optimal conditions and certain cultivars).
- Spread of the plant: 30-50 cm.
- Greyish-green, oval leaves, sometimes covered with a light silvery fuzz.
- Very extensive flowering, from spring and, in temperate zones, well into autumn.
- Small flowers, grouped in a dense terminal cluster, fragrant and very melliferous.
Benefits and Uses of Alder in the Garden
- Natural pest control: The sea alder attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, parasitoid wasps and beesThese insects help eliminate pests such as aphids and whiteflies, promoting a healthier environment without resorting to chemical pesticides.
- Improving biodiversity: Being a honey plant par excellence, the sea alder provides nectar and pollen, encouraging the presence of pollinators and creating a balanced ecosystem and rich in life.
- Ornamental and decorative value: Thanks to its low and compact size, it is ideal as a ground cover, border, rockery plant, pot filler, hanging plants and plantersIts influence can also be seen in vertical gardens and sunny terraces.
- Growing companion: It is recommended to plant alder near vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers to protect them from pests and take advantage of their repellent and attractive effect on useful insects.
- Edible plant: Some varieties, especially those with white flowers, are edible and can be used in culinary decoration.
Ideal Location and Exposure
Light: The sea alder needs a very bright location, preferably in the full sun to show off its full potential and achieve abundant flowering. Can tolerate semi-shade, especially in warm climates, but reduces the number of flowers and increases its vulnerability to fungal diseases.
Temperature: It prefers temperate climates and thrives between 5 and 25°C. While it tolerates light frost, it can be affected by prolonged cold, and in intense heat, it is advisable to protect it with some shade during the hottest hours.
Protection: Avoid areas exposed to strong winds, which can dry out flowers or break fragile stems.
Substrate Requirements
La adaptability One of the main virtues of the sea alder is its ability to thrive. It is relatively undemanding when it comes to soil, although it prefers those that are:
- Well drained, to avoid puddles that can rot the roots.
- Moderately fertile, although it grows without problems in poor soils. Excessive fertility can lead to excessive foliage, which is detrimental to flowering.
- Calcareous or sandy, being ideal for rockeries, dry gardens and degraded areas.
If you grow alder in a pot, use a universal substrate mixed with gravel or sand to enhance drainage. In the garden, incorporate organic material if the soil is very compact or clayey.
Irrigation of Maritime Alder
Alder tolerates drought better than excess water. In temperate climates, a few weekly waterings will suffice, increasing the frequency during heat waves or during the most intense flowering period. If the plants are in pots, water when the top layer of the substrate is dry, avoiding waterlogging.
- In periods of intense drought: Slightly increase watering, but let the soil dry between waterings.
- In pots: Make sure the water drains well. Poor drainage can cause root rot.
- Does not require frequent watering in gardens, except in newly planted beds or during the first year until the plant is well rooted.
Fertilization and Composting
Maritime alyssum is not demanding when it comes to fertilizers. If you want to boost flowering or vigor, add a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants once a month during the growth and flowering period, especially in container crops.
- Avoid over-fertilizing: A substrate that is too rich can reduce flowering and promote leaf growth.
- Poor soils: You can make a contribution at the beginning of spring or after intense flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Maintaining the sea alder is very simple. The main pruning consists of cutting off the withered flowers to stimulate new blooms and prolong the production cycle. It also helps maintain a compact and tidy plant.
- Rejuvenation pruning: At the end of the flowering cycle, you can cut the plant back to half its height to encourage new growth and prevent premature aging.
- Expansion control: Unlike other ground covers, alder is not invasive, but after several years it is advisable to renew it by dividing clumps or planting new plants.
- Pinching: Pinching growing stems helps maintain denser plants and uniform flowering.
Reproduction and Multiplication
The spread of the maritime alder is fast and accessible in different ways:
- Direct sowing of seeds: This is the most common method. You can sow in spring directly into the final soil or seedbed. Scatter the seeds superficially and cover with a thin layer of substrate. Keep moist until germination.
- Reproduction by cuttings: Select stems without flowers, cut them and plant them in containers with moist substrate, covering them with plastic film to maintain moisture until they root.
- Division of bushes: For older plants, dig up the plant, separate rooted sections, and replant them.
The alder's life cycle can be annual or biennial in cold climates, but it behaves as a perennial in temperate conditions.
Pests, Diseases and Natural Solutions
The maritime alder is very resistant to pests and diseases, although certain problems can arise under unsuitable conditions:
- Aphids: It can be attacked occasionally, especially in wet springs. A natural remedy is to spray with mild soapy water or use organic insecticides. You can also consult More pest tips and eco-friendly solutions.
- Caterpillars: Remove them manually or use organic solutions if there is significant damage.
- Powdery mildew and white mold: These fungi appear in humid or poorly ventilated environments. Remove affected areas and improve air circulation. Do not water the leaves.
- Mildew: It can be prevented by avoiding wetting the foliage and with good aeration.
- Slugs and snails: They can attack tender shoots, especially in spring. Protect yourself with natural barriers or organic methods.
Remember that alder, by attracting beneficial insects, tends to maintain the natural balance against common pests.
Planting Tips and Garden Combinations
The maritime alder is one of the best options for Cover bare areas, add color to rockeries, enhance borders, fill pots and planters. It adapts perfectly to low-maintenance gardens, xeriscape and even small cracks between stones and walls. For more ideas, you can consult how to make an ecological garden.
- Mass planting: Creates dense carpets of color that limit the appearance of weeds.
- Combination with other perennials and annuals: Ideal alongside lavender, thyme, dimorphotheca, gazanias or daisies.
- Aromatic and vertical gardens: It gives color and aroma to culinary herbs, providing edible flowers.
- Edges of roads, paths and flowerbeds: Its low stature and rapid growth make it perfect for delimiting areas and beautifying busy spaces.
- In the garden: Plant alder near crops to take advantage of its benefits against pests.
Varieties and Color Palettes
There are numerous varieties of maritime alder, suitable for all tastes and garden styles. You can find everything from the most traditional with pure white flowers to others in lilac, pink, mauve, or golden yellow. Some, like 'Snow Princess', achieve a hanging habit and greater growth, ideal for baskets and raised planters. Others are compact and have a more trailing habit, perfect as a ground cover. To expand your options, you can also explore ideal flowers to cover the garden.
The choice of variety will allow you play with different contrasts and multiple flowers almost all year round, especially in areas with mild climates.
Thanks to its hardiness, resistance, long-lasting flowering, and low maintenance, the maritime alyssum has established itself as one of the best ornamental and functional options in modern, traditional, urban, low-water, aromatic, and organic gardens. Its ease of propagation and ability to attract life make this plant a fundamental ally for achieving colorful, healthy, and biodiverse green spaces without major complications. Incorporate it into your garden or orchard and enjoy its many benefits season after season.
