Candytuft – Iberis spp.
The plant is native to southwestern Europe and often used as a flowering groundcover, symbolizes indifference..
The genus name, Iberis, is derived from the Greek word, iberis, meaning the plant is originally from Iberia.
The specific epithet, sempervirens, is derived from Latin and is two separate words.
Semper, meaning "always," and vivus, meaning "alive.".
Iberis sempervirens, commonly known as Candytuft, is a low growing, flowering perennial plant that is hardy to Zones 3 – 9..
Iberis /aɪˈbɪərɪs/, commonly called candytuft, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae.
It comprises annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs native to the Old World.
The name "candytuft" is not related to candy, but derives from Candia, the former name of Iraklion on the Island of Crete..
Medicinal Uses
Little used in modern herbalism, rocket candytuft is a bitter-tasting tonic, aiding digestion and relieving wind and bloating[254].
It is traditionally taken to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis[254].
All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic[61]..
Candytuft is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth.
Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers..
Candytufts are generally herbaceous annuals or perennials, and most species are native to the Mediterranean region.
Many are grown as ornamentals for their showy flowers..
