How big does Evergreen candytuft grow?

About 25 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 15–45 cm.

What soil does Evergreen candytuft grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Evergreen candytuft hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Evergreen candytuft need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Evergreen candytuft

Iberis sempervirens

Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a ground cover plant that reaches 25 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €7.

Illustration of Evergreen candytuft — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, cushion-forming subshrub with dark green, leathery leaves, covered in spring by so many pure white flowers that the foliage almost disappears. It suits rock gardens, wall tops and the edges of paths and beds, and flowers best in full sun. Good drainage is the key: it rots in standing water, and a trim by a third after flowering keeps it dense.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. Most losses come from crown rot in wet, poorly drained soil, so on heavy ground plant it in a raised or gritty spot. In snowless, windy, sunny winters the evergreen foliage can scorch and thin out; a light cover of conifer branches helps. It can wilt in summer heat and long dry spells and is grateful for watering then. Slugs, snails and caterpillars may chew it.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 25 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	25 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 15–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–May, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €7

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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