Iberis sempervirens Pink Ice

Iberis sempervirens 'Pink Ice' is a small, compact shrub with a spreading habit that is perfect for rockeries, borders, and even containers. Its "evergreen" foliage, as the name suggests, is adorned with multiple pink flowers in small, round clusters from April onwards, attracting pollinators. It thrives in poor and even chalky soil, and can tolerate drought once established. Hardy, it requires no maintenance and can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).

Iberis sempervirens, also known as Candytuft, is an undershrub native to the Mediterranean region. It therefore tolerates heat and drought (once sufficiently established) and prefers well-drained soils. Its foliage is composed of numerous small, oblong, and narrow leaves, measuring just 2cm (1in) in length, which are dark green and evergreen. They are carried on woody stems that form a dense cushion reaching a height of 25cm (10in) and spreading at least 30cm (12in). The cushions of 'Pink Ice', present throughout the year, are covered in compact flower clusters measuring 5cm (2in) in length during spring. These clusters consist of tiny, four-petaled flowers in a very soft pink shade that bring the garden to life with the dance of pollinating insects. They are then replaced by the summer flowering from June onwards. You can remove faded flowers and prune the cushion to maintain a compact shape.

To create beautiful flower tapestries from early spring, Iberis sempervirens 'Pink Ice' is essential. It can be paired with Aubrieta, Arabis, Cerastium, and Moss Phlox along pathways and terraces, highlighting the front of borders and complementing the colour range of each plant. It also thrives in containers and can be combined with pastel-toned spring bulbs, such as China Pink Hyacinth and Tulips from the Harmonie Bruges collection.