Alyssum

 Lobularia maritima

Virgo

Sense of Order, Resilience

Alyssum, also known as Sweet Alyssum, is a low-growing, fragrant flowering plant native to Europe. It forms soft mounds 3–9 inches (7–23 cm) tall and can spread 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide. The plant produces tiny, clustered flowers—most often white, though pink, purple and cream varieties are also available. Each tiny flower has four petals; flowers have a sweet scent. Plants bloom from spring through fall, especially in cooler weather. 

The leaves are small, narrow, and gray-green. Alyssum is perennial in warm climates but is typically grown as an annual in colder regions. It thrives in full sun but also tolerates partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Known for its resilience, Alyssum tolerates poor soils, light frost, salty air, and even sandy beaches, making it especially suitable for coastal gardens. High heat and humidity in mid-summer may temporarily stop plants from blooming. 

Alyssum symbolizes resilience - the ability to thrive in harsh or shifting conditions without losing perspective or balance. The plants stop blooming when conditions become too extreme. Just as the plants conserve energy during peak heat, we can withdraw until conditions, although possibly still harsh, are once again supportive. Alyssum reminds us that while we may endure chaos, we can also discern which environments are simply too “hot” for growth. 

Shallow-rooted, fast-growing and easy to cultivate from seed, Alyssum often self-sows in garden beds. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and makes an excellent companion plant in vegetable gardens. As a ground cover, it creates tidy borders and fills open spaces evenly, lending a sense of order to garden designs.

People drawn to Alyssum tend to bloom steadily through adversity, offering order and direction in times of disorder. Others may be naturally attracted to them—just as pollinators are to Alyssum—because of the stability and order they bring. Picture the person calmly directing traffic at a chaotic event, guiding cars into neat rows, or the greeter helping people find their way through a busy venue. Yet Alyssum also reminds us: if conditions become too overwhelming—like a crowd turning unruly—we can easily self-sow to begin again somewhere else. 

Physical plant characteristics also are guidelines to the spirit of Alyssum. Flowers have four petals: the number four symbolizes stability, security and direction, supporting Alyssum's themes of order and resilience. Flowers are primarily white which is associated with Archangel Gabriel, who symbolizes purity and has the role of messenger. Meditating or reflecting on the number four and/or asking for assistance from Archangel Gabriel may be helpful when exploring current challenges, especially when determining when your environment becomes too "hot" and next steps are needed.   

The plant contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been used in folk remedies as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic, often given as a tea. In ancient Greek medicine, the name “Alyssum” (“a-lyssum”) meant “without madness,” and the plant was believed to calm emotional imbalances, especially anger.  In folk medicine, Alyssum was used to treat animal bites.