Latin name: Lobularia maritima
The sweet alison flower is native to the Mediterranean countries, although it is quite common in the south and north-east of Ireland. It is an annual plant, which means that it completes its lifecycle in one year.
Like the seaside daisy, the sweet alison grows very well in rockeries. It likes dry ground, and can cope very well with both heat and drought. It is a very hardy plant, and can grow even on the thinnest layer of soil on bare rock.
Sweet alison
Latin name: Lobularia maritima
©Jenny SeawrightSweet alison
©Jenny Seawright
©Jenny Seawright
Sweet alison
Latin name: Lobularia maritima
©Jenny SeawrightThe leaves of the sweet alison are grey-green in colour, pointed and slightly hairy.
From June to September, beautiful, delicate clusters of tiny white flowers bloom on the sweet alison. These flowers release a strong, sweet-scented perfume.
Bees love the scent of the sweet alison, and swarm to the flowers as soon as they open out. They enjoy the sweet nectar while helping the plant to pollinate!
Do you have any sweet alison growing near your home? Now that you know what it looks like, you can look out for it when you’re out and about!