Iberis saxatilis, the rock candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to southern Europe and northwest Africa.[1] [2] The species is typically used as an ornamental rock and alpine garden perennial plant because of its decorative flowers and cascading growth habit.[1] Iberis is so named because many members of the genus come from the Iberian Peninsula in south west Europe.[1] The species name saxatilis means "growing among rocks," referring to the preferred substrate of this species.[1]
The natural range for this species is Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Balkan Peninsula, the Crimean Peninsula, and Morocco.[1] [2] In 2017, a new subspecies—Iberis saxatilis subsp. magnesiana—was identified in Turkey.[3]
This species is a spreading and low-growing perennial.[1] Depending on the wintertime harshness of its environment, it may be evergreen or semi-evergreen.[1] It produces numerous snowflake-like white flowers, the petals of which take on a pink or purple tinge with age.[1] The plant is able to spread via adventitious rooting of stems that make contact with soil.[1]
Rock candytuft is typically grown in gardens that simulate the rocky alpine conditions of the plant's natural habitat.[1] It thrives and flowers best in full sun with well-drained soil, but will tolerate partial shade.[1] Poorly drained soil often causes crown rot in this species.[1]