Alexander's White Candytuft

Iberis sempervirens 'Alexanders White'

Nature Hills Nursery

Evergreen White Candytuft with Dense Spring Blooms that Attract Butterflies and Bees
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy White Blooms in Early Spring
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$35⁸⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this plant full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct light per day for the best floral display. While it tolerates very light shade, too much shade causes the stems to stretch and become leggy rather than forming a tight mat.
Soil: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable for Candytuft, as wet feet will quickly lead to root rot. If you are working with heavy clay soil, amend it heavily with compost or grit, or consider planting in a rock garden or raised bed where water moves through freely.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first growing season to help the roots establish deep into the soil. Once established, Alexander's White Candytuft is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings; inconsistent watering in extreme heat may cause the edges of the foliage to brown.

Pruning Tips

Shear the plant back by about one-third immediately after the blooms fade in late spring. This "haircut" prevents the center of the plant from becoming woody and bare, forcing new, dense foliage that keeps the mound tidy year-round. Since this plant blooms on growth from the previous year, avoid pruning late in the season or you will remove next year's flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as you see new growth emerging. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as these encourage lush, soft growth that is susceptible to winter damage and makes the plant flop open.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

White clouds of charming blooms on Alexander's White Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens 'Alexander's White') will blanket your landscape in gleaming brightness! The carpets of white bloom throughout the spring on long-lasting, flat-topped clusters.

Densely packed, flat clusters of pure-white flowers smother this ground-hugging, spreading, and mounding plant. The butterflies will adore these blooms and honeybees swarming the white flower clusters. As the flowers bloom from the outside in, the stems elongate as the center florets continue to flower.

The mounds of foliage are fine-textured and have a wonderful green backdrop to highlight the flowers! Growing only 6-8 inches high but spreading to around a foot, these carpet-forming perennials fit into any sized garden as easy-care, low-maintenance finishing touches!

How to Use Alexander's White Candytuft In The Landscape

The charming white clusters of this groundcover shine in the sun. Naturalizing sunny slopes and hard-to-mow areas edges, these lovelies act as clean, finishing touches to your perennial and mixed shrub borders is this plant's specialty! Save work and eliminate erosion by planting these where the rain washes away soil.

Candytuft looks lovely rambling around your Rock Garden, defining walkways as a low-growing edging and filler plant. Evergreen in zone 8's warmer winters, Candytuft provides 4 seasons of interest! Plant between crevices in rock walls or let spill over the tops of retaining walls. Pot up in your containers and planters for drifts of white spilling over the edges! Try planting around the base of plants as a skirt in the garden to highlight an ornamental flowering tree or use as living mulch around the base of your prized Rose.

Carpets of White Flower Clusters
Green Fine Foliage
Evergreen Leaves in Warmer Climates
Low Spreading Groundcover

#ProPlantTips For Care

Alexander's White loves the full sun! These herbaceous perennials soak up the rays in medium moisture soil and well-drained soils. Thriving in most conditions throughout USDA 3 to 8, and even tolerating poor-quality, rocky soil. Profuse bloomers that are also drought-tolerant once established, Candytufts benefit from protection from snowpack or add a few evergreen boughs in late fall in those cold zones to protect from winter exposure. They also appreciate mulch to insulate the roots from the cold. Prune back after flowering by a third to encourage a rebloom in the fall and encourage new growth.

Full Sun
Thrives in Most Well-Drained Soil Types
Low Moisture Xeric Needs Once Established
Rabbit, Deer & Drought Tolerant
Poor, Rocky Conditions

Blanket your landscape in snow-white blooms of Alexander's White Candytuft for snowdrifts in summer! Order today at NatureHills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 3-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Alexander's White Candytuft grow at maturity?

Alexander's White Candytuft grows 6-8 inches tall and spreads about 12 inches wide at maturity. This low, mounding groundcover forms dense carpets perfect for edging, rock gardens, or filling problem areas where grass won't grow.

Does Alexander's White Candytuft ship as potted plants or bare roots?

Alexander's White Candytuft ships as potted plants from Nature Hills, not bare roots. These 6-8 inch tall perennials establish quickly in containers and transplant easily into your garden. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best spring bloom coverage.

How much sun does Alexander's White Candytuft require?

Alexander's White Candytuft requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. This sun-loving perennial thrives when it can soak up plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. Plant it in your sunniest spots for the best white flower display.

How often should I water Alexander's White Candytuft after planting?

Water newly planted Alexander's White Candytuft regularly for the first 2-3 weeks until established. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in well-drained soil with medium moisture. Once roots are established, water only during extended dry periods to prevent root rot.

How do I prune or shear Alexander's White Candytuft after blooming?

Lightly shear Alexander's White Candytuft by one-third after spring blooming to maintain its 6-8 inch mounded shape. This prevents the stems from getting leggy and encourages denser growth. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance groundcover.

Is Alexander's White Candytuft evergreen, and does it keep winter interest?

Alexander's White Candytuft is evergreen in zone 8 and warmer climates, providing four seasons of interest with its fine-textured foliage. In colder zones, the foliage may die back in winter but returns reliably in spring. Plant in full sun for best winter performance.

When does Alexander's White Candytuft bloom, and does it rebloom?

Alexander's White Candytuft blooms throughout spring with long-lasting, flat-topped clusters of white flowers. The blooms flower from the outside in, with stems elongating as center florets continue flowering. For best bloom performance, plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Is Alexander's White Candytuft deer or rabbit resistant?

Alexander's White Candytuft is generally deer and rabbit resistant due to its slightly bitter taste and dense, fine-textured foliage. These low-growing perennials spread to form thick 6-8 inch carpets that most wildlife prefer to avoid. Plant in sunny, well-drained areas for best resistance.