Alyssum Royal Carpet

The purple counterpart to Carpet of Snow — and arguably the more striking of the two. Alyssum Royal Carpet is an All-America Selections winner that produces a low, dense, honey-scented carpet of deep violet-purple at just 10–15cm, holding its rich colour through the entire British summer without fading.

One of the finest low-growing annuals for path edges, container spill, and as a scented frame for hot-coloured plantings where the purple makes warm tones sing. Bees, hoverflies, and short-tongued pollinators adore the open flowers. Self-seeds gently.

• Lobularia maritima 'Royal Carpet' — All-America Selections, Hardy Annual (H3)
• Height: 10–15cm | Flowers: June–first frost
• Sow indoors March–April or direct late April; surface sow — needs light
• Full sun; lean, well-drained soil — do not over-feed
• Trim after first flush for a second wave in late summer
• Outstanding pollinator plant for bees and hoverflies

Grow it with Calendula Oopsy Daisy and Nasturtium Tom Thumb for a low, warm-toned, fragrant border edge that hums with pollinators all summer.