Current bloom report

Walking through my garden in Maine, especially in the peak of summer, always brings such joy. While my original post gave you a quick peek at what's blooming this July, I wanted to dive a little deeper into one of my all-time favorites: Candytuft. You might know it by its botanical name, *Iberis sempervirens*, particularly if you're looking for specific varieties like the gorgeous 'Pink Ice.' I've found Candytuft to be an absolute star in my garden beds, offering a carpet of pristine white, sometimes tinged with pink, flowers that just light up the landscape. It's a fantastic evergreen perennial, meaning it keeps its lush green foliage throughout the year, even when the snow flies here in Maine. This makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or simply edging a flower bed to create a neat, defined border. What I love most is how low-maintenance it is; it truly thrives on a little neglect once established! For anyone considering adding Candytuft, especially *Iberis sempervirens*, to their garden, here's what I've learned. It absolutely adores full sun, so pick a spot where it can soak up at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Good drainage is key—it really doesn't like wet feet, especially in winter. If you have heavier soil, like some spots around here, amending it with some compost or grit can make a world of difference. Once it's settled, it’s quite drought-tolerant, which is a blessing on those hot summer days when you don't want to be constantly watering. Now, about specific varieties like *Iberis sempervirens 'Pink Ice'*: this one is truly special! While my main Candytuft is typically white, I’ve seen 'Pink Ice' in friends' gardens, and it's captivating. It starts with delicate white blooms that gradually transition to a soft, blush pink, creating a beautiful color display as the season progresses. If you're looking to add a unique twist to your white Candytuft, 'Pink Ice' is definitely worth exploring. It maintains the same hardy nature and preference for sunny, well-draining spots as its white counterparts. Pruning is super easy with Candytuft. After its main flush of blooms—typically in late spring to early summer—I give it a light shear. This helps to maintain a compact shape, prevents it from getting leggy, and can even encourage a second, smaller flush of blooms later in the season. It also keeps the foliage looking fresh and tidy. I've noticed it pairs wonderfully with other flowers currently blooming in my garden, like the vibrant purple of Bee Balm, the classic beauty of Hydrangeas, and even the cheerful Sweet William. The white or soft pink of Candytuft provides a lovely contrast and helps tie everything together. Overall, if you're looking for a reliable, beautiful, and easy-to-care-for plant for your garden, whether you're in Maine or elsewhere, Evergreen Candytuft (*Iberis sempervirens*) is a fantastic choice. It adds consistent greenery, stunning blooms, and really enhances the overall charm of a summer garden. Happy gardening!